Kate Bush says NHS staff deserve pay rises in rare Christmas message

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Iconic English songwriter, singer, and musician Kate Bush has said UK National Health Service (NHS) staff deserve a fair pay rise, in a rare public message. 

Known for her elusive nature, the artist behind seminal albums like ‘Hounds of Love’ posted the statement to her own website, under the title: ‘A Christmas Message’. Discussing the pandemic and our “uncertain future”, she wondered “are any of us the same people we were before?” after almost two years of the coronavirus crisis. 

Going on to thank workers in the NHS, she argued in favour of staff finally receiving “the pay rises they rightly deserve”. A direct response to the meagre 3% wage increase those employed by the organisation were given earlier this year by Boris Johnson’s administration.

“With nearly two years of COVID, are any of us the same people we were before? It’s left everyone confused and uncertain of the future,” Bush wrote. “It’s been a terrible time of loss for so many. I want to say a big thank you to all the people on the front line and in the NHS. I have such huge respect for all the nurses and doctors who’ve already been working flat out for nearly two years.

“These caring people are showing such extraordinary acts of kindness to others. Let’s hope they get the pay rises they rightly deserve,” she continued, before going on to pen prose dedicated to Europe’s smallest bird, the goldcrest, which she observed for ten minutes after it landed in her garden. 

“Its colouring is beautiful —  a peacock’s eye on each wing and a striking yellow streak on its tiny head. This gorgeous little ball of fluff flew away after ten minutes or so. I’ve only ever seen one once before and very briefly. It made my day. In these strange times, I really hope you can get the chance to stop for a moment and feel nature around you,” she continued. “Please stay safe. Wishing you a restful Christmas and hoping 2022 is a happier year for everyone.”

You can read the full statement here. 

Read about how Kate Bush’s iconic album ‘Hounds of Love’ influenced the evolution of electronic music here.