UNSUNG HEROES of the pandemic – such as NHS workers, delivery drivers and supermarket workers – are at the top of Britain’s new pecking order and the most respected in society, a study shows.
Research into attitudes during the coronavirus crisis shows a remarkable change in the social pecking order of how people who do different jobs are now regarded.
Almost all those in key worker roles – such as food shop staff, bin men, delivery drivers, postmen and carers – have joined NHS staff and paramedics and are now held in higher esteem than before.
A study for toiletries giant, Right Guard, found that while the health and social work industry made the most difference during the pandemic (63%), followed by the wholesale and retail trade (44%), the Government were in the bottom half of the list (19%) along with the education sector who also polled (5%).
The findings come as Right Guard launches a nationwide competition to find the biggest unsung hero of the pandemic, with the prize of an incredible £2,000 towards a bucket-list moment of a lifetime for the winner.
The survey of almost 100 adults in Wales found that two-thirds of people now have more appreciation for essential shop workers and delivery drivers, while more than half feel the same for posties and bin men.
But their opinions of journalists and politicians have gone down during the crisis, while attitudes to teachers have largely remained the same.
Oliver Ramirez, Brand Manager at Right Guard, said: “It’s interesting how when the chips are down, people place more value on the simple necessities they may not have paid much heed to before. We have always held NHS staff in high regard, but we now seem to have more appreciation for those who do what we might previously have thought of as more menial work.
From Monday 17th August, anyone can nominate an Unsung Hero by heading to www.rightguardcompetition.co.uk until Monday 31st August when the competition will close. Following this, 20 shortlisted applicants across 10 nomination categories will be chosen and notified of the next stage.
Each lucky applicant will then be required to send a video of them speaking to camera, explaining exactly why the person they are nominating should be crowned Britain’s Unsung Hero and awarded £2000 towards that life-changing experience.
Do you know someone who’s gone above and beyond to lift spirits within the community, or perhaps a fundraiser who has surprised even themselves? There’s no minimum or maximum age – this truly is one for everyone, and the ultimate winner will be notified on 14th September.
To nominate your unsung champion, head to www.rightguardcompetition.co.uk and select one (or more) of the following categories…
THE CATEGORIES:
NHS Worker
Carer
Great Neighbour
Bin Man
Shop-worker
Sports/Fitness Legend
Charity Fundraiser
Community Hero
Spirit Raiser
Best of the Rest (please specify)
Ramirez continued: “Our survey shows how much the people of Britain appreciate all those who have sweated to keep the country running during some dark times… We want to celebrate the courage and hard work of these everyday superstars and reward them for being Britain’s unsung heroes by making their bucket-list dreams come true.”
