It would mean NHS workers would face another real-terms pay cut.
The government has asked the NHSPRB to cap the next NHS pay rise at just 3.5% – significantly below inflation.
In evidence submitted late to the independent NHS Pay Review Body (NHSPRB) for the 2023/24 financial year, the government has told the panel of experts who provide a recommendation on NHS pay that 3.5% is “affordable” and warned any more could drive inflation.
If the recommendation is accepted it would mean NHS workers would face another real-terms pay cut as inflation fluctuates at around 10%. Figures suggest experienced nurses have seen their pay fall in real-terms by around 20% since 2008.
Reportedly, the proposed increase is aligned with the offer planned for other public sector workers such as; police officers, judges, teachers, doctors and dentists.
The recommendations will now be considered by the NHSPRB and a set of recommendations published later this year. The NHSPRB process is explained here.
The final straw.
UNISON has warned the cap set by the government will only exacerbate the current pay dispute.
Head of health Sara Gorton said: “If the government was actively trying to worsen the crisis in the NHS, it couldn’t have done better than this.
“Vacancies are at an all-time high and this pitiful pay suggestion does nothing to solve the growing staffing emergency. The Scottish government has already offered significantly more to its NHS workers.
Ms Goton continued, “Worse still it could prove the final straw for staff already questioning their future in the NHS. If more leave, the outlook for patient care is beyond grim.
“Pay talks with all health unions representing striking NHS workers must happen now. Meeting with one union alone will do nothing to solve the dispute. Ministers need to start behaving like grown-ups and up their game substantially.”
