A COMPETITION run to thank "all NHS staff" – which excluded those based outwith England – has been opened to NHS workers across the UK after The National highlighted the inconsistency.

British Airways is running a free prize draw which will see 3000 NHS staff win “a minimum of” 60,000 Avios points.

The flight firm’s website says that the contest is being run to say “thank you to all the amazing NHS staff who went above and beyond during the Covid-19 pandemic”.

However, it said in the small print that only “NHS Staff in England can submit an entry”.

READ MORE: British Airways panned as contest to 'thank all NHS staff' opens to England only

The National highlighted the issue on Friday, with a NHS Scotland worker telling this paper at the time: “It seems British Airways are the national carrier of England, not Britain.”

Now, Avios - the rewards subsidiary of International Airlines Group, which owns British Airways - has been in touch to say that the competition has been updated, and workers from across the UK will now be allowed to enter.

The NHS worker who first drew our attention to the contest welcomed the move to reverse what they called a “bizarre” decision.

They said: “I’m delighted that the national carrier is recognising the hard work put in by workers outwith England – because after all it is a national health service. Coronavirus doesn’t recognise borders.”

They added: “I look forward to entering the competition.”

The Head for Points website – which covers airline frequent-flyer programs and hotel loyalty programs – says 60,000 Avios points would allow “two genuinely free flights under the new short-haul pricing structure, and in some cases will also pay for a hotel”.

British Airways has been approached for further comment.

NHS staff from across the UK can now enter the free prize draw here. They have until December 23.