SIR – Over the past three years nursing staff in the NHS have had a cost of living pay freeze. That pay freeze means nurses have, in real terms, taken a pay cut as the cost of living has gone up. Now the Government’s proposal not to award nursing staff a one per cent pay rise adds insult to injury.
The Independent Pay Review Body recommended nurses and healthcare assistants should get a one per cent cost of living pay rise. Last year, the Government said it was affordable. Now there’s been a U-turn and the Government has said it’s not affordable.
Last year, however, the NHS under spent by £3 billion and that money was handed back to the Treasury. It would have been much better spent on NHS services and staff. The RCN has written to MPs to raise the issue and highlight what an insult this is.
On Thursday, June 5, Royal College of Nursing members and staff will be joining other trade unions in Fair Pay for the NHS protests because our nurses, health visitors and healthcare assistants all deserve better.
The public can play a part and we would welcome their support in our campaign to ensure a fair outcome for nurses.
Anne Kennedy and Roy Tomlinson, council members, Royal College of Nursing, Yorkshire & The Humber Region
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