‘I’m exhausted... I don’t sleep or eat properly’
THE cost-of-living crisis has given mental health nurse Pauline Brady no choice but to pick up “bank” shifts on her days off.
The single parent, 37, worked during her annual leave this month to cope with the soaring cost of bills, food and fuel.
Pauline said: “I’m exhausted. I don’t sleep properly, I don’t eat properly because I’m rushing about.”
Now on a £33,000 salary, Pauline, who works at an NHS trust in Scotland, said: “I stopped when I was promoted, but recently I’ve had to start picking up shifts again. The government is mistreating NHS staff.”
A Scottish Government spokesman added it is grateful for employees’ efforts and that guidance encourages staff to take all accumulated leave, where possible.