Union still fighting for £2000 pay rise for Falkirk nurses

The union stated a new survey has found health workers are coming under increasing strain because of the​ rise in infections and hospital admissions and many say they are considering walking away from the NHS altogether.

More than 10,000 health service staff from across the UK took part in the research, which has been used as part of the evidence the union submitted to the NHS pay review body.

Many staff have told Unison they are at breaking point, often working long back-to-back shifts to deal with worsening staff shortages and packed hospitals as infections soar.

A pay rise would provide reassurance and comfort to staff and help them feel more valued, the survey shows – 91 per cent say a £2000 pay increase would be a morale boost, while 95 per cent say it would make a “meaningful difference”.

Sara Gorton, Unison’s head of health, said: “Time and again ministers remind the public about protecting the NHS. The government can show how to do just that by investing properly in the staff looking after us all.

“Many are beyond exhausted and feel let down by politicians who expect health workers to give everything but show them little in return. A rise of £2000 as soon as possible would persuade many NHS staff to stay and encourage others to consider a career in health.

“The Prime Minister should speed up the pay process to give vital NHS staff what they deserve quickly. Extra money in their pockets will mean more spending in local economies, giving a huge boost to the recovery when the lockdown begins to ease.”

The recent Unison survey reveals that health workers feel deeply dissatisfied with their treatment, with only one in ten – 10 per cent – feeling the government actually values NHS staff, while 85 per cent say they are angry at how NHS staff are being treated by ministers.

And 64 per cent said the government’s approach to NHS pay – ignoring calls for an early and significant pay rise in recognition of the difficulties staff have faced in the past year – makes them question their future in the health service.