Delayed pay rise will leave staff disappointed, say health unions

Health unions representing 1.2 million NHS staff in England have responded to the 3% NHS pay rise announced by the government today (Wednesday), which accepts the recommendation made by the independent pay review body. UNISON head of health and chair of the joint health unions Sara Gorton said: “Dedicated staff have been waiting far too long for a decent pay rise. That the government has moved from the insult of 1% shows ministers realise the damage that’s been done. “But the memory of 1%, combined with lengthy delay, has done lasting damage to morale and the trust staff have in ministers. The government will have to do much more to win that back. “Even though the Prime Minister has moved in the right direction, the increase will fall short of expectations. “Pay is so important not just for staff but for the NHS too. After the nightmare of the past year, health workers need to know the government has their back and understands what they’ve been through. “As staff ready themselves to deal with another wave, the government must speak up and show it values what they’ve done. Not just during the pandemic but in tackling the mammoth backlog too. “Unions will now consult their members to determine their approach to the 3% pay award.” Royal College of Nursing associate director for employment relations Tina Lamai said: “This pay award is bitterly disappointing. “The government has spurned a golden opportunity to address several years of low pay and plummet...
Source: UNISON meat hygiene - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: News Press release nhs pay Source Type: news