Clap for Carers: Boris Johnson applauds UK's frontline workers

People across the UK are invited to put their hands together again for “every hero who has played their part through the pandemic” as the worst is still not over. The woman who started Clap for Carers back in March last year, Annemarie Plan, plans to bring back the applause in a bid to “lift spirits” amid England’s third lockdown. The clap was originally coined to show gratitude and appreciation to NHS and care workers dealing with the pandemic on the frontline.

But now it has been renamed ‘Clap for Heroes’ in order to acknowledge teachers, homeschooling parents, those who are shielding and “every other person who’s having a difficult time”.

Ms Plas’s decision to bring back the clap has received a mixed reaction from people.

Some have claimed the gesture is “empty” and “patronising” as NHS staff continue to receive low pay for very demanding and relentless work.

Taking to social media, some users voiced their thoughts and concerns about the clap making a comeback.

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One user wrote: “A clap isn’t really that necessary. Just remember to put an X in a box that does not say Conservatives next time.”

Sonia Poulton said: “‘Clap for Carers’ has become ‘Clap for Heroes’ and they’re expecting us back out on our doorsteps this week.

“I shall not be clapping. Not because I don’t respect the NHS – I do – but because I am tired of empty gestures when the NHS is starved of both staff and equipment.”

One healthcare worker wrote: “In my capacity as a nurse, I will say this with love, please don’t clap for us. Instead put pressure on your mps to ensure we have adequate PPE, are vaccinated in a timely manner and have safe staffing levels.”

What time is clap for key workers today?

The clap for key workers will take place at 8pm on Thursday evening.

Ms Plas tweeted on Wednesday: “We are bringing back the 8pm applause, in our 3rd lockdown I hope it can lift the spirit, of all of us.

“Carers, teachers, homeschooling parents, those who shield and ALL who is pushing through this difficult time! Please join & share!”

In response to the backlash the scheme has garnered, Mr Plas says she has “fully acknowledged” it.

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In an interview, she said: “I fully acknowledge that things are now worse than ever and some people might not feel an applause is appropriate.

“But I also know how much it meant to millions of people last time, not just to our carers but to our neighbours and communities.

“We all need to stay connected and be there for each other and we all deserve a round of applause for what we have gone through and can expect from the coming months.

“When people clap for all our heroes on Thursday, they should also clap for the heroes directly in their own lives, those whom they have personally found to be just incredible individuals.”

Applause rang out across the nation for ten weeks straight during the first lockdown in March.

However, the event ended on May 28 after its founder said it had become too heavily politicised.

Ms Plas said at the time: “I think it’s good to have the last of the series next Thursday, because to have the most impact I think it is good to stop it at its peak.

“Without getting too political, I share some of the opinions that some people have about it becoming too politicised. I think the narrative is starting to change and I don’t want the clap to be negative.”

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