Published April 21, 2021 10:59pm Joven Flores, a head chef at a nursing and home care in the United Kingdom, did what he loved before dying of the viral COVID-19: Bring smiles to residents by baking cakes and preparing meals for them. This was how Flores wife, Aurora narrated his dedication to his job. Flores worked there for 18 years. He was paid £11.50 an hour and worked in overtime shifts and on weekends. The salary was very low.. But my husband loved his job, and he was dedicated,” 64-year-old Aurora said according to an article published at The Guardian. Flores wife said all he did was to be a dedicated cook at his work and even in his days off, he would cook meals for his family. He would only rest on the sofa, sleep and watch television during breaks.
Joven Flores … well known for baking cakes for the residents’ birthdays Illustration: Paul Ryding/The Guardian
Joven Flores … well known for baking cakes for the residents’ birthdays Illustration: Paul Ryding/The Guardian
He came to the UK from the Philippines to create a good life for his family, but his job was demanding and relentless. Should he and other migrant workers have been better protected?
Tue 20 Apr 2021 01.00 EDT
For most of his life, all Joven Flores did was work. Back-to-back shifts as a chef, working weekends, overtime. Uncomplainingly, Joven tossed, marinated, sliced, kneaded, ordered produce, wiped down worktops and stacked plastic food boxes. On his occasional days off, Joven would prepare meals so that his family wouldn’t have to cook during the week. Then he’d collapse on the sofa. Then TV, sleep, an early morning drive through deserted streets and more work.