UNISON Press Release - 1% Pay Rise
UNISON's Northern Ireland Health Committee has reacted with strong criticism of the Pay Review’s recommendation for a1% uplift for NHS workers.
Speaking on their behalf, Anne Speed, Head of Bargaining and Representation said 'this paltry increase will not end the pay deficit and NI workers will continue to be the lowest paid. While the recommendation expressed concern regarding staff shortages and recognised the negative impact of a Tory created 4 year pay cap of 1%, it made no concrete suggestions to tackle the crisis. The insecurity now felt by many overseas workers in the NHS further compounds this problem.
Inflation has increased with the Brexit inspired devaluation while the value of health workers pay has decreased by 17% over the last 8 years.
Health staff in Northern Ireland have the added problem of a collapse in our power sharing devolved government. While we expect the application of the new legal minimum wage to raise the lowest pay band from £7.38 to £7.50. There maybe a significant delay in payment of the 1% as all public sector pay was to be approved by the Executive.
The absence of a functioning Executive and Health Minister who can be challenged will deepen the frustration of our thousands of members struggling to keep delivery of services to the highest standards.
We want and will continue to demand and campaign for the pay gap to be closed and the lowest pay bands be replaced with a real Living wage.
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For further information please contact:
Anne Speed on 028 90 270190 or 07904 427133