Up to half a million NHS workers could be excluded from the talks, and potentially any offer.
Urgent NHS pay negotiations are potentially limited to just nursing staff in an attempt to avert strike action by the profession.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) last night announced it will call off the planned around-the-clock strike for March after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak agreed to enter into “formal and immediate” pay negotiations.
However, sources close to the issue have revealed to NursingNotes that the government has limited the scope of the newly announced pay talks to just the nursing profession in England.
This potentially means that half a million NHS workers could be excluded from the talks, and possibly any pay offer.
About nurses and nursing.
Announcing the pay talks on social media, Health Secretary Steve Barclay emphasised the link to nursing. He said, “We’ve agreed to enter talks with [the Royal College of Nursing] to find a fair and reasonable settlement, recognising the vital role nurses play and wider economic pressures.”
Responding to the rumours during a meeting with members just hours ago, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Pat Cullen explained the talks would be “about nurses and nursing – and that is our mandate”.
Ms Cullen clarified that the “scope is entirely up to the government” but did confirm no other union would be present for talks.
When approached by NursingNotes, the RCN declined to comment or clarify further.
Fairly represented.
Responding to the rumours Nurses United UK Lead Organiser Anthony Johnson said, “Some days we can’t discharge patients because they haven’t had a physiotherapist assessment. When our loved ones are waiting hours for care after they’ve fallen, that’s because of a lack of paramedics.
“When we’re struggling to get our washes done or swamped with our extended roles it is our healthcare support workers who have had our backs.
Mr Johnson concluded that he believes that “any negotiation has to include the full breadth of our NHS.
He warned, “Ignoring our colleagues means that we are ignoring the pressures across our whole system. There are tens of thousands of RCN members who are not registered nurses.”
Divide and rule.
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak added, “At long last it appears the government is edging towards the table after months of dragging their feet.
“It has always been down to them to resolve these disputes.
“But we won’t accept the Conservatives taking a pick’n’mix approach to pay or playing divide and rule with public sector workers.
“They must confirm they will seriously negotiate with every union in dispute, without preconditions.
“Everyone who keeps our public services running deserves a fair deal on pay.”
