Families of NHS staff who die from coronavirus deserve more than £60,000

Whilst the Government’s £60,000 payment to families of NHS staff who die from the coronavirus might appear generous, something else is needed. It is, very roughly speaking, about two years’ salary for a full-time nurse, who might have children.

The remaining partner then has to manage without that income for many years after the initial payment.

I would suggest full payment of salary until the youngest child reaches the age of 18, unless the surviving partner remarries or finds a new partner. Obviously there might need to be some variation on my suggestion but I think it would be fair to those who risk their lives.

I recognise this will be expensive, but it would be nowhere near the human cost of life lost. I cannot imagine any right-thinking member of society begrudging this kind of help.

Perhaps our local MPs could get behind this.

Letter from: Phil Dennett, Junction Road, Burgess Hill