Unions balk at "paltry" pay rises

NHS staff will be "disappointed" by the latest increases
NHS staff will be "disappointed" by the latest increases
 

Also In The News

Elephants 'facing African extinction'

African elephants could be on the cusp of a slide into extinction due to rampant growth in the illegal ivory trade, conservationists have warned.

23,400kg of Ivory was seized in the 12 months ending August 2006 alone
 

Thursday, 01, Mar 2007 07:53

Workers' unions have reacted angrily to the government announcement that it would be accepting the recommendation of the Independent Pay Review Body (PRB) and raising public sector pay by an average of 1.9 per cent.

Under the new programme of pay rises, chancellor Gordon Brown said that the treasury would accept all of the PRB recommendations, which means the average pay increase would fall below the inflationary target of two per cent.

GPs on the NHS will get no pay increase, consultants will get an average of 1.3 per cent and nurses will receive a 1.9 per cent rise.

The armed forces were the biggest winners in the new programme, receiving an average increase of 3.3 per cent.

The pay rise programme includes provision for some pay rises to be instituted in two stages - half the pay rise now and half in November.

While the entire pay increase package for some NHS staff would be 2.5 per cent overall, it is the equivalent of under two per cent because of the gradual increase.

The workers' union Unison condemned the government's decision, saying it is a "real let down".

"We believe that 2.5 per cent is low enough, without reducing its value even further by paying it in two stages. That means it is worth a paltry 1.9 per cent," said Karen Jennings, head of health for Unison.

"It is a real letdown for Britain's nurses and other health professionals, who really do deserve better. They will be deeply disappointed - for the second year in a row they are being asked to accept a pay increase well below the level of inflation."

Ms Jennings added that with the retail price index running at 4.2 per cent, "this award amounts to nothing more than a pay cut. This increase will be eaten up by inflation and leave many nurses struggling".

In announcing the pay changes, health secretary Patricia Hewitt said: "These are sensible increases - fair for staff, consistent with the government's inflation target and affordable for the NHS."

Ms Hewitt said she appreciated that nurses would be "disappointed" by the staging of their award but argued that "overall earnings growth in the NHS will be around 4.5 per cent. as a result of this pay award, the government's pay reforms and opportunities for career progression".


Grand National runners that meet the requirements in 2011

There are going to be forty Grand National Runners this Saturday all lining up at Aintree and picking the Grand National winner is always a difficult thing to do.

Gold Cup 2011 odds point to Imperial Commander as the winner

The latest Gold Cup Odds are not only important because they represent how much you can win on the race.

Cheltenham Gold Cup runners and best bets

Fourteen runners have been declared for the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2011 and the question on many people's lips will be.

Cheltenham Gold Cup 2011 runners and odds

The Cheltenham Gold Cup Runners have now been confirmed. As long as there are no late withdrawals there will be 14 Cheltenham Gold Cup runners.

Cheltenham Festival stats and tips should mean more winnings and winners

The Cheltenham Festival 2011 gets underway next week and one of the most popular methods of picking Cheltenham Festival winners is not only to follow tips, but also to take notice of important Cheltenham Festival Stats.

Cheltenham Races odds and tips suggest proven Cheltenham form is key

At long last The Cheltenham Festival 2011 is here and whether punters are going to the course or watching it on TV, everyone will be looking for winning tips for Cheltenham.

Cheltenham races odds and tips can help you find 50/1 winner at the festival

The Cheltenham Festival 2011 gets underway on Tuesday. The highlight of Cheltenham Races on the opening day will be the Champion Hurdle and three days of brilliant racing will follow Tuesday's action.



We're mobile!

Get news, sport and entertainment on your mobile. Text inthenews to 84010 or go to http://m.inthenews.co.uk. There is no charge for this service but the SMS will be charged at your standard operator rate.