Healthcare recognition payment due in August

Carla Lockhart MP • July 26, 2022

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed indications from Health Minister Robin Swann MLA that the one off special recognition payment for healthcare workers will be issued in August. The DUP MP has been engaging the Minister over recent months to progress the payment as soon as possible.

Commenting, the Upper Bann DUP representative said:

 

“The recognition payment announced in January was but a small gesture to those healthcare workers who went above and beyond in the battle against COVID-19. We will never forget the dedication and service given by those across our healthcare service at a time when so much pressure was on the system, and they themselves put themselves at risk of COVID by caring for others.

 

Around 76,000 payments are due to be issued in August. This is a long overdue confirmation of payment for these workers. In many cases this payment will be going to some of the lower paid workers within our health service and certainly in the current climate a financial boost will be most timely and welcome.

 

Of course we do need to put a greater value on our healthcare staff in terms of salaries, and I trust the Minister will implement the pay award as soon as possible.”

Share

By Carla Lockhart MP April 25, 2025
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP, has hit out at DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, following confirmation that Northern Ireland currently has no dedicated bee inspectors in place, leaving all bee health issues routed through a single shared email inbox.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 25, 2025
With the 2025 Beef Week campaign underway, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is urging consumers to shop local and safeguard the future of the province’s agri-food sector.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 25, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is looking forward to attending Lurgan and District Horse and Cattle Society’s 110 th agricultural show on Saturday, 7 th June.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 25, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said the launch of the Blueprint for Bovine TB Eradication in Northern Ireland largely mirrors previous recommendations made by Edwin Poots, but says tough decisions are necessary on effective wildlife control to mitigate against the spread of the disease.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 23, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has issued a strong statement demanding urgent action from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Minister over the worsening state of roads across the constituency, saying the situation has become a growing source of public anger and frustration. While acknowledging the hard work of local DfI staff on the ground, Carla Lockhart said the blame for the crisis lies squarely at the feet of the Minister, who she accuses of failing to prioritise core infrastructure in favour of wasteful spending on “vanity projects.”
By Carla Lockhart MP April 23, 2025
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has hit out at DAERA Minister Andrew Muir following confirmation that Northern Ireland currently has no dedicated bee inspectors in place and that all bee health issues are now being routed through a single shared email inbox. In responses to the Upper Bann MP, the Minister admits there is no one solely responsible for bee inspections within the Department, a move Ms Lockhart has labelled “complacent, careless and completely inadequate.” 
By Carla Lockhart MP April 23, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has expressed her sincere thanks to all those who contributed to this year’s Big Bucket Collection in aid of the Southern Area Hospice, which raised an impressive £35,078 across Northern Ireland. Despite the ongoing challenges of the cost of living crisis, communities across the country have once again demonstrated incredible generosity in supporting the Hospice’s vital work.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 23, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the commencement of long-overdue improvement works to the footpaths in Loughgall village, following years of lobbying on behalf of local residents and community groups.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 23, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has encouraged the local community to come out and support Waringstown’s very own Kate Weir as she prepares to launch her debut album The Reason this weekend. The album launch will take place on Saturday 26th April at 7:30pm in Craigavon Civic Centre, featuring special guests LIVE ISSUE, KINGDOM BOUND, WARREN SMYTH, and VICTORIA KENNEDY (SALT). Tickets are £12 and available via Eventbrite, FM Bookshops, or at the door on the night.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 23, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the opening of a brand-new coffee shop, Folks, in Banbridge, praising the entrepreneurial spirit and community focus of the two sisters behind the venture. The MP visited the shop, located at 1 The Mall, to meet owners Jennifer and Katie, and to sample some of the freshly brewed coffee and their now locally-loved açaí and granola bowls. 
More Posts