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Labour MSPs call for ‘safer system of work’ for those on the front line

by Niall Christie

Scotland editor

LABOUR MSPs have warned that Scotland’s response to the coronavirus appears to be worse than in the first wave of the pandemic and called for a “safer system of work” for those on the front line. 

The MSPs raised the issue during a debate on protecting health and social care workers in Holyrood today.

A motion, put forward by Scottish Labour’s health spokeswoman Monica Lennon, called for greater protections to be put in place for health and care staff, including making vaccinations Scotland’s top priority. 

Ms Lennon’s proposal also recognises concerns of the British Medical Association regarding vaccination numbers, as well as the ongoing pressure on staff in hospitals across Scotland, claiming that better protective equipment is vital.  

The Scottish Labour leadership hopeful paid tribute to health and social care staff, saying without those putting themselves at risk by continuing to work on a daily basis the country would struggle to cope.

She said: “We need to get this pandemic under control, we need to get rid of this virus, and we need to give people hope, confidence and assurance that we have a pathway to do so. 

“We must take very seriously the concerns of clinicians and those on the front line who are sounding the alarm.”

Amended motions put forward by the government and Tories point to work done by decision-makers at Westminster and Holyrood.

Ms Lennon said the government’s amendment would not get Labour support as it “knocks out” many of the issues raised by those with first-hand experience of the virus, but pledged to work with ministers to get things right. 

A vote on the motions put forward by MSPs was taken after the Star went to press.

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