The government has not revealed how it intends to fund the proposed rise.
After months of industrial action and negotiations, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is today urging its members to vote in favour of a proposed NHS pay deal.
The RCN took its members out on strike for six days between December and March to put pressure on the government during pay negotiations. An offer was finally made by the government on 16 March, and RCN members now have until 14 April to vote to accept or reject it.
The pay offer consists of two non-consolidated, one-off payments worth between £1,655 and £3,789 this financial year, depending on pay grade, plus an average 5% rise for the next financial year.
Unite is the only health union not actively recommending its member accept the proposed deal which is significantly below the current rate of inflation.
The government has not revealed how it intends to fund the proposed rise.
Fair pay and recognition.
Pat Cullen, General Secretary of the RCN, acknowledged the difficult decision nurses now face in voting on the offer. However, she said the RCN will continue to campaign for fair pay and recognition of nursing staff regardless of the outcome.
Cullen said, “Ministers spent months ignoring nurses, forcing us to take strike action to make them listen. Weeks of talks led to this offer, and it’s right we ask nurses for their view. There are commitments on pay, staffing and safety nurses should consider.
“Nurses have fought for their profession and patients. Our membership is stronger than ever, and together we secured this offer. Now every nurse must decide what it means for them.”
The pay offer affects each nurse differently depending on their pay grade and position. The RCN is urging all members to review the full details before voting.
Voting closes on 14 April, and the outcome will determine whether further industrial action is taken.
