NHS workers' pay protest in Leeds cancelled as coronavirus infection rates rise in city
A second demonstration over pay planned by NHS workers in Leeds this weekend has been cancelled by organisers because of rising rates of coronavirus in the city.
Campaign group Nurses United were planning to hold a socially distanced demonstration and march in Leeds city centre on Saturday September 12.
Anthony Johnson, lead organiser for demonstration organisers Nurses United, said the decision was made to cancel the event to protect health staff and members of the public.
Leeds has been added to Public Health England’s weekly watch list of areas of concern for Covid-19 after figures revealed a rate of 32.4 cases per 100,000 people and a positivity rate on testing of 3.5 per cent.
Leeds could face further lockdown restrictions if coronavirus infection rates continue to rise.
Around 200 people attended a two-hour static demonstration in Millennium Square in Leeds city centre on August 8, which was organised by Nurses United.
It was one of 36 demonstrations held in towns and cities across the UK as part of a campaign for NHS workers to receive a 15 per cent pay rise.
A second demonstration planned along with a march in Leeds city centre on September 12 has been cancelled.
Mr Johnson, a registered nurse from Meanwood, said: "The R rate is increasing and as NHS workers we obviously care about our patients and all our colleagues so we don't want to be in any way associated with increasing the R rate."