Rutland County Council's Lib Dem Councillor, Raymond Payne, has highlighted poverty being faced by NHS staff as NHS hospitals display signs asking patients and visitors to consider buying an NHS worker lunch.

The Liberal Democrat Councillor for Oakham South Ward was elected in June 2022, and has since shared his view about many local issues, including but not limited to a circulating energy bill scam and the rise in local housing developments.

Now, Cllr Payne has shared his upset that "our wonderful NHS staff" are facing poverty.

Cllr Payne said: "Last week I was at the Leicester Royal Infirmary and, as is my way, I went into the café to get a cup of coffee. As I was standing at the counter I noticed a small poster which was asking the reader if they would like to buy a lunch for a NHS worker. I admit that I did a bit of a double take and then asked one of the volunteer staff to explain.

"They assured me that it was genuine. Apparently, many of the staff are finding it so hard to balance their budgets as a result of the cost-of-living crisis, that they have stopped eating lunch as a desperate way of saving money.

"I am appalled that our wonderful NHS staff should be reduced to this. How can they be expected to give their full attention to their vital work if they are feeling hunger pangs during a shift? It used to be said that the best way out of poverty was to get a job, clearly this is no longer the case, if people who are working full time in vital sectors like the NHS cannot make ends meet and need to rely on the charity of their patients for a simple meal then what hope is there for those less well off on zero hours contracts or part time work, let alone those unable to work at all?

"As a local Councillor I am well aware that many people are struggling at this time but when you see a little poster like the one I saw at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, it really brings it home! For the record, yes, of course I bought a lunch!"

This comes as Rutland Foodbank launch their Advert Calendar Appeal, hoping to provide necessities, as well as a few festive extras, to local people in need this festive season.

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