RESIDENTS across Renfrewshire are being urged to mark International Workers Memorial Day by remembering those who have been killed, injured or made ill by their work.

Wreaths were laid today by the Paisley and District Trades Union Council at the Workers Memorial Cairn in Robertson Park, Renfrew, and at the flagpoles outside Renfrewshire House, in Paisley.

The commemoration event in Renfrew was the first to take place since the death of former councillor Bill Perrie, who worked with Paisley and District Trades Union Council to get the Workers Memorial Cairn built.

Councillor Natalie Don, who is standing in the Renfrewshire North and West constituency at next week’s Scottish Parliament election, said deaths caused by the Covid-19 pandemic highlight the importance of supporting campaigns for safer work environments.

The Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank representative told The Gazette: “Every year, the sacrifice of workers around the world is recognised but this year has a special significance because of the pandemic.

“According to some reports, over 100 NHS and care workers alone have lost their lives to this pandemic while trying to save the lives of others.

“The risks faced by those working in the health and social care sectors has already been acknowledged but there are also others – those working in childcare, police services and refuse collection, in hostels and rescue centres, in gas, water and electricity and in transport services – whose work and dedication often goes unacknowledged.

“In many cases, these workers know that, by simply doing their jobs, they are putting themselves at risk.

“Please take the time to pay your respects to all the key workers who have lost their lives to Covid-19.”

READ MORE: Covid-19 death toll in Renfrewshire continues to rise