MORE than one million NHS staff will receive a pay rise from today as part of the Government’s deal with unions.
Nurses, paramedics, 999 call handlers, midwives, security guards and cleaners will get a back-dated boost of at least 4 per cent to their salaries with a 2 per cent bonus.
GettyNHS nurses, paramedics, 999 call handlers, midwives, security guards and cleaners will receive a pay rise from today as part of the Government’s deal with unions[/caption]
All staff on Agenda for Change contracts will also get a bump of at least 5 per cent over the next year, worth at least £1,065.
It comes despite the RCN, the nurses’ union that has organised chaotic strikes since December, continuing to ballot its members over further industrial action.
Steve Barclay said: “NHS staff will receive more money in their pay packet, including a backlog bonus for all their efforts during the pandemic.
“We’re giving nurses, paramedics, physiotherapists and other eligible staff a fair pay rise, which will see for example, band six staff getting an extra £5,000 over two years.
“We hugely value the work of NHS staff and the vital role they’re playing to cut waiting lists, which is one of the government’s five priorities.”
The Health and Social Care Secretary on Sunday ruled out offering another pay offer, after holding a “constructive” meeting with RCN boss Pat Cullen last week.
The union is polling around 30,000 members on whether it will strike again later this year.
Unison, GMB, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists and the Royal College of Midwives all voted to accept the Government’s pay offer.
The British Medical Association (BMA) is organising another junior doctors strike for 72 hours from June 14.
Colin Poolman, of the RCN, said: “Our members have spoken loud and clear – their pay is far from fair and appropriate.
“It in no way matches the value or importance of nursing staff who have experienced a real-terms pay cut for the last decade.
“Colleagues are leaving the NHS every single day and the constant battle we face to staff the NHS properly and safely puts our patients at risk.
“This offer alone will not attract people to the nursing profession, or stop the mass exodus of experienced staff needed to keep the NHS safe.
“Nursing staff are fighting for their patients, and the very future of our NHS – not just for their pay.”