Social care staff receive £500 as ‘thank you’ for efforts during pandemic

A ‘THANK you’ to social care staff working on the frontline throughout the coronavirus pandemic in the shape of a £500 pro-rata bonus is being paid today (28 May) to people in Shetland.

The payment was announced by the Scottish Government back in November and it is designed to thank council staff working in or supporting adult social care and children’s residential care.

Locally it is being paid to employees by Shetland Islands Council.

Frontline staff working in the NHS have already received the same payment.

Human resources manager Denise Bell said: “The council is administering the payment on behalf of the Scottish Government who set out the categories of staff who may be eligible to receive this payment.

“This has been a complex process and, as some staff may have left the council, we are eager to make sure we catch everyone who may be eligible.”

People need to have worked for at least four continuous weeks between 17 March and 30 November 2020.

If you think you may be eligible, you can find further information here.

Anyone with questions should contact the council using the email address HSCThankYouPayment@shetland.gov.uk.