Andy McDonald discusses NHS staff pay

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Over the past year and a half, the NHS has been crucial to the national battle against coronavirus. But the issue of pay rises for NHS staff drew the Government significant criticism earlier this year, with many arguing health workers were not being fairly rewarded for their efforts during the pandemic.

How much is the NHS pay rise?

Originally, NHS staff were offered a one percent pay rise back in March 2021.

But this figure was heavily criticised after a whirlwind year for healthcare staff.

In response to delays with the NHS pay award, Royal College of Nursing Interim General Secretary, Pat Cullen, said: “This treatment of our NHS workers is shameful.

“Ministers are holding them in contempt and we have no choice but to condemn this behaviour.

“With tens of thousands of nursing vacancies and thousands more considering their future in the profession, the Government is sending the worst possible signal with this political gameplaying.

“Ministers need to stop the wrangling and come clean about the pay rise they believe NHS staff deserve.”

The Government later accepted the recommendations of the NHS independent pay review bodies in full to offer NHS staff a three percent pay rise for this year.

The pay rise means all NHS staff, including porters, cleaners, dentists, nurses, paramedics, GPs and consultants, will be eligible for the cash boost.

Announcing the pay rise in July, the Department of Health and Social Care said NHS staff were being recognised for their “pandemic contribution” during what has been an “unprecedented year”.

The Government said the pay rise will equate to an additional £1,000 per year for the average nurse.

Porters and cleaners may expect to be paid an additional £540 annually under the pay rise.

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Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “NHS staff are rightly receiving a pay rise this year despite the wider public sector pay pause, in recognition of their extraordinary efforts.

“We asked the independent pay review bodies for their recommendations and I’m pleased to accept them in full, with a three percent pay rise for all staff in scope, from doctors and nurses to paramedics and porters.

“We will back the NHS as we focus our efforts on getting through this pandemic and tackling the backlog of other health problems that has built up.

“I will continue to do everything I can to support all those in our health service who are working so tirelessly to care for patients.”

Although the Government has revised its one percent pay rise offer, some trade unions and healthcare staff have argued a three percent rise does not fairly reflect the efforts of health workers over the pandemic.

When will the NHS pay rise be paid?

The Government did not announce the three percent pay rise for NHS staff until late July.

The agreed three percent pay rise applies this year and will be backdated to April 2021, the Government confirmed.

So NHS staff should see their salary boosted with the amount owed over the last few months.

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