Unions call for government to give NHS staff early pay rises
on 07 July 2020
14 unions are calling for the government to turn their applause into an early pay rise for staff for their work during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The unions, which represent 1.3 million NHS workers, have sent letters to the government asking them to agree a pay rise for NHS staff.
The call for a wage rise comes as the health worker three-year pay deal comes to an end.
Unions want fair funding for the NHS and all staff to receive a pay rise including cleaners, catering workers, security guards and other support staff for private contractors.
The pay rise aims to make NHS staff feel valued following their hard work and dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic.
They also say that more money in NHS staff pockets would help boost the economy as the money is used to spend on the high street.
Executive Director for External Relations at the RCM, Jon Skewes, said: “Midwives and all NHS staff deserve a fair and decent pay rise. They did before this pandemic and they certainly do now. To truly value the contribution of NHS staff, their pay must be restored in real terms.
“Currently there are staff shortages right across the NHS and the government should be doing all they can to retain and attract new staff.”
Head of Health at UNISON, Sara Gorton, adds: “The applause and kind words shown during the difficult days of the pandemic were a huge source of comfort to NHS staff. But now the government should show its appreciation in a different way.
“Throughout lockdown, the public has seen the immense dedication, commitment and compassion shown by NHS staff, and now expects them to be rewarded.”
The letters were sent to the UK Prime Minister and the Chancellor on Friday 3 July 2020.
The unions calling for an NHS pay rise are: Royal College of Midwives, British Association of Occupational Therapists, British Dietetic Association, British Orthoptic Society, Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, College of Podiatry, Federation of Clinical Scientists, GMB, Managers in Partnership, Prison Officers Association, Royal College of Nursing, Society of Radiographers, UNISON and Unite.