In a struggling health care system, the country's population are relying on the NHS to maintain normal work despite pressures that are growing. I propose that the government make any health care and social care hours worked untaxable. The bill for this is likely to be less than agency staffing.
The NHS has been facing a massive shortage of NHS staff since years. Despite aggressive recruitment, the deficiencies haven't been filled up. A crisis such as COVID19 shall only make the situation worse. A temporary solution for the government during this crisis is to provide incentives such as waiving off tax completely for the NHS staff. This might be a much needed shot in the arm for them to work more than their usual working hours, and help to cover up any gaps.