STATEMENT FROM JOINT SECRETARIES HSC TRADE UNIONS

The announcement from the Pay Review Body and endorsed at Westminster of a recommended consolidated sum of 1400 pounds on each pay band point falls below the joint Health Unions demand for an above inflation pay rise.

Many health workers across Northern Ireland will be deeply disappointed and frustrated that the pressure of the cost of living will continue to bear down on them.

Even more alarming is the fact that this recommendation comes with no additional funding and is to be met from within current budgets.

What exactly this means for workers in Northern Ireland as we face more weeks and months without a government or an agreed budget is anybody's guess.

We cannot tolerate this vacuum continuing at the expense of workers and their families.

We have written immediately to Health Minister Swann urging a meeting with him and the Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health to hear how they intend to address this.

In the meantime all Health Unions are getting ballot ready.