The government will not budge on the £1,400 pay award for NHS workers.
The government is reportedly “resolute” about not giving in to the pay demands of nurses and other NHS workers.
Speaking late last week on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Cabinet Office minister Oliver Dowden doubled down on the government’s position on nurses’ pay.
Mr Dowden explained that the Royal College of Nursing‘s (RCN) 5% above inflation demand is “simply not affordable”, despite NHS pay falling by around 20% in real terms since 2012.
He insisted that the government would not budge on the £1,400 pay award for NHS workers in England, despite ministers in Scotland almost doubling this offer for workers.
Mr Dowden went on to claim Ministers are being “reasonable” and urged unions to call off strikes.
Without a resolution, strikes are expected to take place again today, with the RCN expected to plan more extensive strike action in January.
Not even willing to talk.
As nurses walk out again today, the RCN has reiterated calls for Health Secretary Steve Barclay to come to the negotiating table.
RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive, Pat Cullen, explained: “The Prime Minister should ask himself what is motivating nursing staff to stand outside their hospitals for a second day so close to Christmas. They are prepared to sacrifice a day’s pay to have their concerns heard.”
Mr Cullen continues, “Their determination stems as much from worries over patient safety and the future of the NHS than personal hardship.
“Rishi Sunak is under growing pressure in Westminster following last Thursday’s strike and he should listen to people around him. The public is increasingly with their local nursing staff and this government desperately needs to get on the right side of them. It is unprecedented for my members to strike.
“Let’s get this wrapped up by Christmas. I will negotiate with him at any point to stop nursing staff and patients going into the new year facing such uncertainty.”
