A £2,000 pay rise for all NHS workers across Yorkshire and Humberside would boost morale amid unrelenting pandemic pressures, says UNISON.
The union is calling on the government to deliver an early and significant wage increase – of at least £2,000 – to show staff are valued as they face unprecedented hospital admissions.
A recent UNISON survey shows more than nine out of ten NHS staff (91%) across the UK say a wage lift of that level would boost their morale, while even more (95%) said it would make a “meaningful difference” to their lives.
Four out of five (83%) would feel more confident they can afford to stay in their current job, says UNISON.
This early wage increase – equivalent to around £1 an hour extra for all staff – would benefit struggling local economies as workers spend the extra money in their pockets on the high street when the lockdown begins to ease, says UNISON.
More than three quarters of staff (78%) say they would use the cash in local shops and hospitality businesses, the survey found.
Staff in UNISON branches based in NHS hospitals, ambulance stations and clinics across the Yorkshire and Humberside Region will be using social media to raise awareness of the union’s latest two days for 2k campaign.
They will be pressing home the message health workers deserve more than applause for their efforts starting today and running until Friday.
In addition, NHS staff and members of the public are being asked to sign an open letter to the chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak calling on him to fund the pay rise in the Budget.
UNISON Head of Health for Yorkshire and Humberside Trevor Johnston said: “The pressure on staff is immense and is not likely to ease any time soon. They’re exhausted and need reassurance their work is valued.
“The government should pay more than lip service to their efforts and demonstrate appreciation in a practical way by delivering a pay rise.
“Investing in staff will prevent an exodus of disillusioned workers and help with recruitment to build the NHS for the future.”
Notes to editors:
– The UNISON survey ran for a month from Friday 11 December – 10,500 NHS staff took part.
– The UNISON claim is for an increase of at least £2,000 to every point on the NHS salary scale. Health workers across the UK are nearing the end of a three-year pay deal. They should be due a pay rise in April, but UNISON and other health unions want this brought forward to show appreciation for NHS employees.
– The NHS pay review body is not due to report until May, and devolved governments can’t act sooner as they are reliant on funding decisions based on this process. This means that NHS staff are not likely to get a pay rise until June at the earliest, says UNISON.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
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