Posted 09 March 2023 - 13:47
Posted 09 March 2023 - 13:47
News
No deal yet on nurses’ pay – talks to continue next week
Talks with health unions so far described as ‘constructive and meaningful’ by DHSC as strike action remains on hold
Talks with health unions so far described as ‘constructive and meaningful’ by DHSC as strike action remains on hold
Talks between health unions and the government, including on nurses’ pay, will continue into next week.
The government has held a series of meetings this week with all health unions representing striking NHS workers, including nurses and ambulance staff.
Rumours had circulated that an announcement on a pay deal was expected today, but a Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) spokesperson has confirmed talks will continue into next week.
Talks are focusing on both this pay round and the 2023-24 pay award
‘NHS employers and unions representing the Agenda for Change workforce have been holding constructive and meaningful discussions over the past few days, covering pay and non-pay matters. These talks will continue into next week,’ they said.
It means an agreement has not yet been reached on pay. Earlier in the week it was confirmed that the talks are focusing on both this pay round and the 2023-24 pay award.
As part of reassurances to unions joining the talks, the DHSC confirmed there would be additional investment in pay for staff on Agenda for Change contracts both this year (2022-23) and next (2023-24). It made clear in a letter to unions that any new offer for the current year will be a non-consolidated, one-off payment for staff.
Current offer for NHS staff in England is 4%, or around £1,400, but unions hope for considerably more
The offer currently on the table for NHS staff in England is 4%, or around £1,400, but unions will be hoping to come out of discussions with considerably more than that. In Scotland and Wales increased offers have already been put on the table.
All health unions involved in the talks have paused strike action while talks are under way.
Prior to this week’s talks, unions including Unison and the GMB raised concerns about being excluded from pay talks, after health and social care secretary Steve Barclay launched pay negotiations with the RCN on 22 February.
Following stark warnings about the risks of talks with only one union Mr Barclay extended an invitation to all health unions, with talks beginning on 7 March.
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