Shameful that while lauding their vaccine achievement government is freezing experts’ pay

The UK has become the first country in the world to approve a vaccine for COVID-19 after the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine was approved by the MHRA.

 

Prospect members in the MHRA and other expert public bodies have been working incredibly hard since the pandemic started and yet have been earmarked for a pay freeze by the Chancellor, along with much of the rest of the public sector.

Garry Graham, Prospect deputy general secretary, responding to the announcement that the MHRA has approved the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, said:

“The approval of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine by the MHRA is an important milestone in the fight against Covid-19. The speed at which this and other vaccines have been developed shows the huge contribution to society made by our scientists and experts.

“As the union that represents staff in the MHRA, PHE and across the scientific community, we are incredibly proud of our members. Often working at all hours, their expertise is the epitome of public service and gives hope to millions of fellow workers across the country.

“This makes it all the more shameful that the government froze the pay of MHRA staff and other public servants last week.

“While the PM is lauding this great achievement at his press conference, he must also show his appreciation by reversing the pay freeze.”