Unions are trying to improve on the below-inflation pay rise given to NHS workers earlier this year.
Pay talks between the government and health unions are to continue into next week.
Although it was previously believed talks would result in an announcement this week, the government has now confirmed that “meaningful” and “constructive” pay talks are set to continue into the coming week.
Unions are fearlessly trying to improve on the £1,400 pay rise given to NHS workers in England earlier this year.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay and junior health minister Will Quince met with the Royal College of Nursing, Unison, GMB, Unite, and NHS staff council this week despite previously rejecting the notion of an increase.
It comes just days before junior doctors are set to take strike action over a reversal of the 26% real-terms pay cut they have experienced over the past decade.
Constructive and meaningful discussions.
A statement released by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) explained, “The Government, NHS employers and unions representing the Agenda for Change workforce have been holding constructive and meaningful discussions over the past few days, covering pay and non-pay matters.
Speaking previously about the talks, Mr Barclay said he believed unions had “a shared desire” for a positive outcome.
He explained, “The point is we are in discussion with trade union colleagues, we have a shared purpose to address the very real challenges that we recognise that the NHS workforce has faced, particularly in the context of the pandemic, and a shared desire between the trade unions and the Government to focus on patients, and ensuring we get the right care in support of patients.”
Health unions have already pledged to put any proposed deal to their members before accepting and RCN members in Scotland are currently voting on a 6.5% pay award.
