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21st Dec 2022

As NHS workers walk out, these Danny Dyer words remain more poignant than ever

Jack Peat

Ambulance staff will walk out today in the first of two one-day strikes

Thousands of ambulance staff walk out today on the first of two one-day strikes.

Health secretary Steven Barclay has urged the public to take “extra care” after last-ditch talks with the unions on Tuesday failed to avert planned industrial action by around 25,000 staff in England and Wales.

The mass walk-out comes on the back of similar action from nurses, with union leaders urging the government to “do the right thing”.

Last month it was revealed 11 NHS Trusts in England have opened food banks for staff, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet as the cost of living crisis intensifies.

According to research, more than a quarter (27 per cent) of trusts already operate food banks for staff, and another 19 per cent plan to open one to help relieve the acute financial pressures.

Comments by Danny Dyer in his 2015 book The World According to Danny Dyer: Life Lessons from the East End, have been going viral on social media in the wake of the strikes.

In it, the East Enders actor says:

“If you’re working forty hours a week and can’t cover your bills, that ain’t your fault. It’s the fault of the slags paying you.”

Many have taken to social media to share the comments.

Read the extract in full below:

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