Health Secretary Steve Barclay guidelines out new pay provide for nurses regardless of ‘constructive’ assembly with RCN chief

May 28, 2023 at 11:26 AM
Health Secretary Steve Barclay guidelines out new pay provide for nurses regardless of ‘constructive’ assembly with RCN chief

Health Secretary Steve Barclay held a “constructive” assembly with Royal College of Nursing (RCN) chief Pat Cullen – however made clear {that a} new pay provide for nurses is not going to be forthcoming.

Ms Cullen beforehand beneficial the members of her union settle for the deal agreed with the federal government, but it surely was rejected by members.

However, the provide was imposed as a result of a majority of the NHS Staff Council physique needed to take the deal – regardless of the opposition from the RCN.

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Pat Cullen, General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing
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Pat Cullen, basic secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, had beneficial her union settle for the earlier provide

Speaking to Trevor Phillips, who was internet hosting Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Sky News, Mr Barclay was requested a few latest summit with Ms Cullen.

He stated they “had a very constructive meeting this week” – however described what was provided beforehand and accepted by the NHS Staff Council as a “full and final” provide.

This provide amounted to a 5% pay rise, plus a money top-up.

Currently, the RCN is balloting over whether or not to take additional strike motion, with near 30,000 members participating within the vote.

Ms Cullen stated beforehand: “Once once more, we’ve got been compelled to ask our members in the event that they wish to take to the picket strains of their struggle for truthful pay.

“This is unfinished business and the government can get it resolved without the need for more strike action.”

The price of dwelling disaster noticed the RCN participate in nationwide industrial motion throughout England for the primary time in its historical past.

After different well being unions additionally took motion, Unison, GMB, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists and the Royal College of Midwives had been all amongst those that ultimately voted to just accept the pay enhance provided by the federal government.

Nurses protest during a strike by NHS medical workers, amid a dispute with the government over pay, outside St Thomas' Hospital, in London, Britain, February 6, 2023. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls
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Nurses took half of their first nationwide strikes in England

Demands aren’t ‘legally doable’

Speaking in regards to the deal, Mr Barclay advised Sophy Ridge on Sunday: “It means a band six, entry-level nurse gets over £5,000 over the two years – recognising the huge, valuable contribution that NHS staff have made.

“Now what some within the RCN are asking us to do is not legally doable.

“It’s not possible to give a band six nurse different pay to a band six midwife or a band six paramedic.”

Unite was one other union which rejected the federal government’s provide.

Members at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London, and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, final week introduced they might be downing instruments on 1 June – and junior docs can be strolling out for 72 hours on 14 June.

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The RCN management is encouraging its members to vote in favour of strikes.

While Mr Barclay stated the pay factor of the deal is closed, there may be room for talks about points like violence towards workers and pension abatement, he added.