AN award-winning group of North Yorkshire care homes is rewarding staff who are on the front-line in the fight against coronavirus with a Covid-19 pay bonus.

Saint Cecilia’s Care Group has told its 160 staff they will be getting an extra pay rise in recognition of their work during Covid-19 and their efforts seven days a week all year round.

They will also be getting a hamper of food from local baker Cooplands as a special Easter treat from the grateful bosses.

Managing director Mike Padgham, said: "We are so proud of our staff at the current time. They are working extremely hard and putting their health and safety on the line every single day to look after our 110 vulnerable residents.

"We wanted to show how much we appreciate what they are doing by giving them a bonus at this very challenging time. It recognises not only their fantastic efforts during the coronavirus pandemic but also everything they do all year round to provide wonderful care."

Last week the company sent each home a box of sweets and chocolates and this week will be following that up with a hamper of food for each employee from Scarborough based bakery Cooplands.

"It is hard to show just how much I and everyone connected with Saint Cecilia’s appreciates what our staff are doing at this time,” added Mr Padgham. "But hopefully this pay rise and our hampers will go some way to show our gratitude.

"I am delighted to say that this will take all our staff above the Real Living Wage. This is the voluntary wage level, above the Government’s National Living Wage and suggested by the Living Wage Foundation, based upon the cost of living."

The Real Living Wage is currently £9.30 an hour for over 25's, over £1 above the governments current minimum wage.

Saint Cecilia’s Care Group has been run as a family firm for the past 30 years in the Scarborough and Pickering area. They have five centres, four care homes offering a range of services supporting residents with dementia, acute illnesses and life limiting illnesses.

They also have a day centre in Pickering near their Alba Rose home, concentrating on providing fun, stimulating activities, compassion and companionship.