NHS strike action halted as health unions back ‘final offer’ five per cent pay rise
HEALTH unions backed a five per cent pay rise for next year.
They halted strike action ahead of a ballot on the Government’s “final offer”.
The deal also gives NHS staff a two per cent rise on last year’s settlement and a one-off “backlog bonus” worth at least £1,250.
PM Rishi Sunak hailed the “reasonable” offer and urged other striking workers to resume talks, as the Government claims it would make a newly qualified nurse around £4,640 better off than two years ago.
He opened the door to other sectors getting round the table to reach a similar breakthrough and end months of walkout hell.
After a fortnight of intense talks, the main health unions yesterday agreed to pause walkouts while they ballot members an d said they would be recommending the offer to them,
Under the proposal, NHS staff — also including midwives and cleaners — would get a five per cent pay rise this year, up from the previous 3.5 per cent.
They will also get an extra two per cent added to last year’s four per cent salary hike as the Government capitulated to union demands to reopen the 2022/23 settlement.
To sweeten the deal, the one-off “backlog bonus” will be awarded to health staff to recognise their “extraordinary effort” tackling the seven-million strong waiting list.
It will be worth at least £1,250 but will rise depending on an employee’s seniority and current salary.
Both extra payouts will be made as lump sums and will together be worth as much as £3,789 for a worker on the top salary band.
PM Mr Sunak applauded “hardworking NHS staff” and hoped they would accept the deal and call off industrial action.
He said: “We have taken a reasonable approach throughout and this offer is good for NHS staff, it’s good for the taxpayer and most importantly it is good news for patients whose care will no longer be disrupted by strike action.”
The offer also includes a promise to improve conditions for NHS staff with a focus on the “specific challenges” of nurses.
A rare joint statement from No10 and the NHS Staff Council representing unions last night hailed the “fair and reasonable deal”.
The biggest three unions, Unison, GMB and the Royal College of Nursing, all said it would encourage members to vote for it.
But Unite boss Sharon Graham said she would not be endorsing the deal.
Last night, Mr Sunak called on other striking unions such as teachers to enter negotiations.
The NEU has refused to call off classroom walkouts which is a condition of ministers engaging them.
The PM said: “Please come and get round the table, I am confident we can find a way through this.
“Today’s agreement demonstrates we are serious about this and we can find workable solutions.”
Even RMT rail union bruiser Mick Lynch hoped there was “end in sight” as his strikes yesterday disrupted the Cheltenham festival.
He said: “The deal on the table is simply not acceptable. But we’ll be reasonable in our stance and we’ll work out a settlement with them if they’re willing to do so.”