Pay rise and student support are key to increasing nursing numbers

Commenting on new registration data published by the Nursing and Midwifery Council today (Thursday), UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said:
“Although the number of professionals on the register continues to grow, it’s slowed from last year, particularly for first-time joiners.
“As hospitals across the UK ​cope with a further spike in Covid cases and the usual winter pressures, it’s more important than ever to build the NHS workforce and deal with staff shortages.
“If the government hopes to meet its targets to grow the nursing workforce, ​despite the collapse in international recruits, it must do more to support students until they qualify ​and invest in apprenticeships.
“The best way ​for the NHS to retain staff, ​along with the many who’ve returned ​because of the pandemic, is ​for the government to give ​every one of them the early and significant pay rise they deserve.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in both the public and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: [e-mail]
​Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: [e-mail]
The article Pay rise and student support are key to increasing nursing numbers first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Source: UNISON meat hygiene - November 12, 2020 Category: Food Science Authors: Anthony Barnes Tags: News Press release Source Type: news