Health workers across the UK are taking industrial action in protest over what they describe as a “derisory” pay deal worth 8%.
According to Unite, the work-to-rule protest will include a ban on nonessential paperwork, email exchanges, attendance at meetings and telephone calls affecting hospitals and health centres.
The union is calling on the government to re-open talks over the pay of NHS workers which is below inflation wage rises.
Officials argued that the three-year pay deal, worth 8%, is not good enough and that a decent rise, a fraction of the cost of the banking bail-out, would increase consumer spending.
Derek Simpson, joint leader of Unite, said: “I am pressing for an urgent meeting with Gordon Brown where I will raise the whole sorry saga of the government’s negative attitude to public sector pay, with particular reference to our NHS members.”
National officer, David Fleming, said: “Our members are struggling to keep up with the cost of living. This is the third year that our members have been forced to survive on below inflation pay rises.
“If the government can find billions of pounds to rescue irresponsible banks, then it can find money to give NHS staff a fair rise.”
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Your comments (terms and conditions apply):
“I understand the frustration and anger but there is little prospect of changing the situation when the country is in such a financial crisis. The media will have little sympathy when so many others are being made redundant, so little support across the board. The money going into the banking bail out is irrelevant to NHS coffers, which I understand are awash anyway” – Name and address withheld
