NHS staff and teachers deserve our respect

There has been a lot in the news recently about public service workers.

Among those who generate the most respect from the public are health workers and teachers.

Last week it was revealed NHS Lanarkshire staff were working extra hours to deal with unprecedented demand across the region.

On page 12 of this week’s Reformer, we can reveal some GP surgeries across the region will be opening on Saturdays throughout January to deal with this demand.

Three practices in Rutherglen and Cambuslang were open during the weekend just past and more may follow this week.

It is a credit to our NHS staff, who often carry out their duties in extremely difficult circumstances, that they will work above and beyond to help keep the population safe and healthy.

On pages eight and nine, we have a story about attacks on Rutherglen and Cambuslang teachers.

Teachers are charged with the nation’s most valuable commodity and it is vital they work in an environment that is conducive to good learning.

The majority of these attacks involve children with additional support needs, but teachers need to feel safe at work and our thanks go to them for the hard job they do.

Two organisations unlikely to be receiving many thanks this week are ScotRail and Scottish Water.

Rail travellers experienced disruption on Wednesday - just a day after fares were increased. You can read more on page four.

Scottish Water is responsible for the closure at Aikenhead Road and drivers were left frustrated on Monday as they made their way to work.