JEREMY HUNT IGNORES NORTHERN IRELAND HEALTH WORKERS

Today’s Autumn statement by the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt MP, did not provide funding to restore pay parity for all NHS workers in Northern Ireland, who are still without a pay award.  Responding to the Autumn statement, UNISON Head of Bargaining and Representation, Anne Speed, said:

‘‘UNISON members working across health and social care services will be extremely disappointed and frustrated by the continued lack of funding to meet their legitimate demand for pay parity with their colleagues across other parts of the NHS.

Our members call for funding to be made available so that pay parity can be restored has not been answered.

In the absence of an Executive, the UK Government must ensure our public services are properly resourced, including resources being made available for pay.  It is unacceptable that nearly 12 months on from the commencement of industrial action, NHS workers in Northern Ireland are still without a pay award, despite pay awards having been made in England, Scotland and Wales. These workers are the backbone of our services and cannot be left behind. Today is a missed opportunity by the Government to make the funding that is needed available.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and UK Government must meet the needs of health and social care workers and the needs of our public services without any further delay. Our members will not stand idly by if they do not.’’