Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has said independent health staff should receive the £500 recognition payment without any more delay.

Speaking after the health minister indicated that workers could receive the payments before Christmas, the party’s health spokesperson said:

“Independent health workers should receive the £500 recognition payment without any more delay.

“I welcome an indication from the health minister that workers could receive this payment before Christmas – this must happen.

“Workers are frustrated that the details of the hours they worked were only requested from employers nine months after the scheme was announced.

“I will be raising these issues on Thursday at the health committee.”