Business leaders back ‘epic’ applause to thank key workers and mark NHS anniversary on July 5

Business leaders have backed one last ‘epic’ applause to thank key workers on the 72nd anniversary of the NHS. 

Weekly claps were a staple of the first months of lockdown, with streets of neighbours heading out to their doorsteps to give thanks for the effort of healthcare workers during the Covid-19 crisis. 

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has published an open letter, signed by more than 50 business leaders including Dragons’ Den’s Peter Jones, saying it will be taking part in one final clap this Sunday, July 5.

The letter, published in The Telegraph, read: ‘As businesses we will be part of that moment because we too have many people to thank. Our colleagues, our suppliers, our customers and our communities. These have been difficult times for us all and we have only survived because of them.

‘But saying thanks is only the start. We know that this crisis will have long lasting and widespread ramifications with the potential impact on livelihoods as profound as the crisis itself.’

It later added: ‘Businesses have a key role to play and as business leaders we are committing ourselves to doing all that we can to be part of building closer communities to build broader prosperity for all.’ 

The original Clap for Carers ended last month after 10 weeks of applause for frontline workers. 

Organiser Annemarie Plas told The Telegraph at the time: ‘For me personally, on behalf of Clap For Our Carers, it will be the last clap I give.

‘We want to maintain the positive impact it has had. We’re really proud of our NHS workers and now want to turn it into something that lasts after coronavirus.’

Following the success of the weekly Clap for Carers, people will be encouraged to reflect on the heroes of the coronavirus pandemic with family and friends at 5pm on July 5 – the 72nd anniversary of the NHS.

Broadcasters will also suspend transmissions for a moment as a mark of respect.

On July 4, the evening before, people will be asked to put a light in their windows in remembrance of those lost to Covid-19.

Public buildings will also be lit up in blue for the NHS including the Royal Albert Hall, Blackpool Tower, the Shard and the Wembley Arch.

Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, Director General of the CBI said: ‘Covid-19 has undoubtedly hit some in society much harder than others.

‘As businesses we recognise that we have a responsibility to all the communities in which we operate.

‘Which is why we are committed not just to joining this moment of thanks but being part of a vitally important process going forward.’ 

NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said he hopes the public will use the anniversary as an opportunity to ‘say a heartfelt thank you’ to hospital staff.

Sir Simon said: ‘This year has been the most challenging in NHS history, with staff displaying extraordinary dedication, skill and compassion to care for the 100,000 patients with Covid-19 who needed specialist hospital treatment and many others besides.

‘During this testing time, our nurses, doctors, physios, pharmacists and countless more colleagues were sustained by the support of the public, not least through the weekly applause for key workers.

‘No health service, not even the NHS, could have coped alone with this coronavirus pandemic.

‘From bus drivers and teachers to care staff and food retailers and, of course, the public who took action to stay at home to stop infection spreading, everyone played their part.’