Unions call for early pay rise for NHS staff

Unions representing more than 1.3 million NHS workers have written to the government calling for talks to begin on a pay rise to take effect before the end of the year.

In letters sent to both the Prime Minister and the Chancellor, the 14 unions, including Unison, the Royal College of Nursing, the Royal College of Midwives and Unite, say the government should build on the huge public support for staff during the coronavirus crisis and deliver an early pay rise.

Health workers are nearing the end of a three-year pay deal and the unions say a fair increase would show how much nurses, cleaners, physiotherapists, healthcare assistants, porters and other employees are valued. They argue that the increase should also include support for private contractors, such as domestic workers and security guards.

Sara Gorton, Unison’s head of health, who chairs the NHS group of unions, said: “Throughout lockdown the public has seen the immense dedication, commitment and compassion shown by NHS staff, and now expects them to be rewarded. As the clapping returns this weekend for the NHS’s birthday, ministers can show how much they value health staff by committing to an early pay rise that the entire country supports.”

The unions also say that, as well as making staff feel more valued, a pay rise would help boost the flagging economy by increasing spending power.