Ex-Army Generals Back Calls For Frontline NHS Staff To Receive Bonuses

Ex-Army generals have backed calls for frontline NHS workers to receive cash bonuses as a thank you for risking their lives.

Former head of the Army, Lord Dannatt and ex-chief of Defence Staff Lord Richards believe staff on the frontline should be granted a tax-free allowance, similar to the operational allowances provided by the MOD to those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Lord Dannatt, speaking to the Sunday Mirror, said:

“All the talk is about our heroic NHS and care workers on the front line, just as we talked about our brave men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“But the difference is we gave our soldiers an extra daily allowance to fight on our behalf, so why are we not doing the same on the NHS and care front line?”

Lord Richards added: “One good thing to come out of the pandemic is the chance for us all to pause and rethink what is important.

“Those that genuinely serve and sometimes risk their lives for their country must go much higher up the list of those we value most – whether nurses, doctors, soldiers or care workers.”

Army personnel deployed in the most dangerous regions are entitled to a daily tax-free payment of £29.02 on top of their wages for six months, according to the Ministry of Defence.

Cover Picture: Army In Scotland