Kate Bell writes on the Trades Union Congress web site.

On May Day, let’s thank our key workers – and win them better pay and security

The workers who’ve kept the country running through the coronavirus crisis are too often underpaid, insecure and ignored. Let’s use this May Day to change that.

On May Day, the trade union movement across the world comes together to celebrate the contribution working people make to society and commit to delivering them a better deal at work.

This year’s coronavirus pandemic has exposed just how badly they need one.

It’s the underpaid, undervalued and ignored workers who have kept this country going. The care workers keeping elderly residents safe while putting their own health at risk. The postal workers and engineers keeping us connected with our family and friends. The shopworkers calmly restocking the shelves so we have enough food. And the workers across the public sector battling the virus, keeping our kids educated and our vital services running.

On International Workers’ Day, remember:

3.7 million key workers earn less than £10 an hour.

2.5 million women key workers earn less than £10 an hour.

7 in 10 care workers earn less than £10 an hour. The people keeping Britain going deserve a pay rise.