PR 303: NHS PAY RISE IMPROVEMENT TALKS ARE VITAL, SAY UNIONS

The Government must improve on its inadequate 3.3% pay rise for NHS staff by putting significant extra funding into long-delayed pay restructure talks or the workforce crisis will continue to grow, Health Unions say.

In a joint letter to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, they warn the pay award fails to keep pace with the cost of living, won't repair years of lost pay, and doesn't address the lower pay rises for those on Agenda for Change contracts than other groups in recent years.

Staff are angry and feel deeply let down after years of falling wages and relentless pressure, say the 14 unions representing more than a million health workers.

They point out that by relying on the discredited NHS Pay Review Body process rather than negotiating directly with unions, ministers have wasted an opportunity to tackle headline pay awards and much-needed reform of the pay structure at the same time through comprehensive talks. 

Despite the anger over pay, staff say they remain committed to the future of the health service.

 
“No one wants the NHS to succeed more than the staff who keep it running. But that requires a workforce that is properly valued and properly paid.”

The POA are asking their members to sign an online version of the letter to demonstrate the strength of feeling in order to achieve a fair settlement next year and for years to come.

 

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POA Press Office                                                  020 8803 0255 Option 7