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UK Government Announces Minimum 6.5 Percent Pay Increase For NHS Workers

UK Government Announces Minimum 6.5 Percent Pay Increase For NHS Workers

The rise won't come into effect until 2021 but will ensure 1.3 million NHS employees get a much needed pay boost

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

After years of campaigning, NHS workers will finally be treated to a pay increase.

Thankfully, the 1.3 million staff entitled to the rise won't have to give up their annual leave either.

At a meeting, featuring 14 unions and NHS employers, it was agreed that workers would receive between a 6.5 to 29 percent pay rise, depending on which payment banding they were in.

This is a huge jump on the 1 percent annual pay rise that had been a fixture since 2010, despite inflation and cost of living being well above that.

It will apply to those on the Agenda for Change contract which unfortunately doesn't include dentists or doctors. It's worth noting that the deal has only been secured in England, however the Mirror reports, similar moves will be made in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland if the deal is universally accepted.

PA

The 6.5 percent increase applies to those who are already at the top of their payment bracket with the rest, roughly half, getting between 9 to 29 percent rises.

Physiotherapists and midwives are due for the biggest pay growth.

But Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt told parliament: "Rarely has a pay rise been so well deserved for NHS staff who have never worked harder."

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Liz Truss added: "We made sure we had the money for it, because it is a priority. And we've made savings elsewhere in the public sector to do that, which is the responsible thing to do."

PA

Interestingly, one union is pushing back against the changes.

The GMB Union is encouraging its members to reject the deal, saying that while a pay increase is welcome, it's not in line with inflation, meaning workers will still be struggling.

National officer Kevin Brandstatter said in a statement: "Jeremy Hunt's promise of jam tomorrow is simply not good enough for NHS workers who, during the past eight years, have faced the biggest pay pinch in living memory.

"Long-serving, dedicated health service workers have had thousands of pounds swiped from their pay packets since 2010 by the Government's cruel and unnecessary pay cap.

"After all that suffering, is a below inflation pay rise the best they can offer?"

A leaked report nearly two weeks ago in the Guardian revealed the Tories were considering introducing an offer to increase NHS worker's pay if they gave up their annual leave.

The changes announced today are due to come in by 2021 and are expected to cost £4.2 billion ($5.9bn).

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News, doctors, Politics, Health