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RCN launches tool to help nurses lobby MPs ahead of pay debate

The RCN has launched an online tool to help nurses lobby MPs ahead of parliamentary debate on scrapping the 1% NHS pay cap.
Scrap the Cap publicity materials

The RCN has published an online tool to help nurses lobby MPs ahead of parliamentary debate on scrapping the 1% NHS pay cap.

The House of Commons debate on 30 January was prompted when a petition calling for the pay cap to be scrapped topped 100,000 signatures.

The online petition, started by community nurse Danielle Tiplady, argues that Agenda for Change staff have experienced pay restraint since 2010 and have lost about 14% of their pay in real terms.

Campaign materials

Now the RCN has developed a website that provides members with materials to promote the debate, and to encourage MPs to attend.

The Take Action tool enables members to enter their postcode to find their MP, and use a templated letter urging their representative to attend the debate. It also calls on MPs to lobby government to:

  • Scrap the 1% pay cap for NHS staff
  • Award NHS staff with an above-inflation pay increase
  • Return to a UK-wide pay rate in the NHS

Nurses are also encouraged to personalise the letters with examples of how pay restraint has affected their lives and staff morale.

A lobby of parliament, also organised by the RCN, will take place in a Commons committee room in the hours leading up to the 4.30pm debate.

‘This is monumental’

RCN general secretary Janet Davies said the debate was a monumental step in the RCN’s campaign and added: ‘This petition shows just how many people support our call to lift this pay cap once and for all. We will continue to fight until all nursing staff receive the pay they truly deserve.’

The debate will be led by Labour MP for Newcastle North Catherine McKinnell. Members of the public can apply to watch the debate in the public gallery, and proceedings will also be screened live on Parliament TV.

Last week, an analysis by the Trades Union Congress revealed that nurses could face a real-terms pay cut of almost £3,000 by 2020-21 if pay restraint continued.

The analysis said real-terms pay for a Band 5 nurse could fall from £28,462 to £25,800.


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