Thousands of NHS staff including porters, nurses, security guards, paramedics, cleaners, midwives, occupational therapists and administrative staff across Nottinghamshire are now being consulted over potential strike action relating to pay.
An increase that better protects staff against the ravages of inflation, and helps the NHS hold on to the many leaving for more lucrative, less challenging jobs elsewhere, would make the world of difference, says UNISON.
UNISON Nottingham University Hospitals acting branch secretary Shantalee Mullings said:
“For years we have had below inflation increases and it’s taken its toll with surveys showing large numbers of our members using foodbanks and thousands of vacancies remaining unfilled. A decent pay offer would help tackle the health service’s recruitment and retention crisis.”
• Rushcliffe’s Best Local Pub and Shop competition launched
UNISON Community and Mental Health branch secretary Andrea Dickens said:
“We’ve just seen a once in a lifetime pandemic through and we were already understaffed. NHS workers put their shoulder to the wheel to save people’s lives and deserve a pay rise that lets them keep their families fed and homes warm.”
UNISON East Midlands regional organiser Dave Ratchford said:
“Enough really is enough. If the Government are serious about saving the economy, they will pay NHS workers a decent wage.
“Instead of money getting squirrelled away in an offshore bank account, it will go to hardworking health workers who will go out and spend it on British goods and services which will kickstart the economy again.
UNISON’s ballot closes on 27 November.
In July the government announced that most NHS staff in England would get a pay rise of £1,400, in line with the recommendation of the NHS pay review.
• QMC’s improved Children and Young People’s Emergency Department is re-opened
