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Conservative backbencher Roger Gale has criticised the 1% pay rise for NHS staff, accusing the government of acting in an “inept” way over the issue.
The MP for North Thanet told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme:
“I think more is needed. I think the way that this has been presented and handled has been inept, and I have to say that.
“I’m not going to try and put a figure on this and it is expected that the government will start low and the unions will start high, and normally there is an agreement reached somewhere in the middle.
Some people with severe asthma who are eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine have been denied one by their GP amid confusion about priority groups, a charity has warned.
Some GPs appear to only be referring those with recent hospital admission – rather than any history of admission, Asthma UK has said, despite guidance issued by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), PA reports.
“We know that there are different interpretations of the official guidance from GP surgery staff and we’re not sure why exactly this is happening.
“We know that GPs are very busy and trying to vaccinate so many people quickly, and keep on top of very complex daily new information about Covid-19 and the vaccination programme.
