Economics writer at the Financial Times, Martin Sandbu, tells* how he went to check on a neighbour he’d not seen for a week or two. She was fine, but had been working all hours on checkout at a supermarket. She hadn’t been allowed to wear a mask and knew she was increasing her risk.
What she then said struck a chord with the writer, and with us:
“But I have to go to work, otherwise people won’t be able to buy their food, will they?” To Mr Sandbu it was “not a complaint, but and expression of pride in her new-found status of essential worker”.
He goes on to say the pandemic has “brought home” how we depend for our lives not just on doctors and nurses but also on a host of humbler jobs – see panel.
At Citizens Advice Reigate and Banstead we’re highlighting people in public life explaining the case for a new settlement. Mr Sandbu qualifies: Key Workers:True Value
* The everyone economy: How to make capitalism work for all, Financial Times, 03/07/20