NHS heroes to receive a pay increase of just 3%

The UK government has accepted the recommendations to offer NHS staff a pay increase of just 3% and junior doctors will miss out completely

NHS staff including nurses, paramedics, consultants, dentists and salaried GPs are set to receive just a 3% pay rise, backdated to April 2021. However, it does not include junior doctors.

It comes as the government accepted the recommendations of the independent NHS Pay Review Body (NHSPRB) and the Review Body for Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB).

For the average nurse, this will mean an additional £1,000 a year and many porters and cleaners will receive around £540.

A 3% pay rise that doesn’t include junior doctors. That includes the majority of doctors working in intensive care and on the NHS frontline during the past pandemic.

This is not acceptable.

— NHS Million (@NHSMillion) July 21, 2021

The conservative government has already been critised for its decision to give healthcare workers a 1% pay rise in March as an expected rise in inflation over 2021 meant that the move would translate as a pay cut.

“In recognition of their extraordinary efforts”

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said:

“NHS staff are rightly receiving a pay rise this year despite the wider public sector pay pause, in recognition of their extraordinary efforts. We asked the independent pay review bodies for their recommendations and I’m pleased to accept them in full, with a 3% pay rise for all staff in scope, from doctors and nurses to paramedics and porters.

“We will back the NHS as we focus our efforts on getting through this pandemic and tackling the backlog of other health problems that has built up. I will continue to do everything I can to support all those in our health service who are working so tirelessly to care for patients.”

Cuts in patient care

12.5% increase

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has called for a 12.5% increase but Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “I think 12.5%, given the situation we are in, is a huge amount to ask for in a single year – given that we have spent something like £350bn… supporting the economy, keeping jobs alive, paying people’s wages effectively and also giving loans to businesses.”

NHS budget

Union’s have said that Nurses may consider taking industrial action and there are concerns that the move could lead to cuts in patient care if it is not funded properly but instead taken from the NHS’ own budget.