Matt Hancock fights back against union bullies as NHS pay rise spat risks strike action

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters.Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer.Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights.You can unsubscribe at any time.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has said it is supporting industrial action after a one percent pay rise force NHS nurses was proposed.

The union described the increase as “pitiful” and demanded a 12.5 percent increase.

It has agreed to set up a £35million “industrial action fund” to support members for loss of income during a strike.

But speaking at a televised coronavirus briefing tonight, Health Secretary calls on NHS workers to refuse to entertain the RCN’s threats.

He said: “What I’d say to every nurse who is watching and everybody who has worked so hard is, we have over this pandemic pulled together in an incredible way.

“I really hope we can continue doing that, both to deliver for patients, and also to support our NHS, and to welcome many, many more nurses into the NHS in the years ahead.”

He added that while nurses would receive a pay rise this year, other public sector workers, including teachers and police officers would see their pay frozen.

Mr Hancock said: “Whilst everybody else in the public sector is going to have a pay freeze, we are able to propose a pay rise for nurses – at one percent I entirely appreciate – that reflects the difficult financial circumstances that the country is in.”

More to follow…

Source: Read Full Article