Union emphasises this must be the beginning and not the end of pay restoration
Unite members have today (Monday 16 September) approved the government’s proposal on NHS pay.  Two-thirds of Unite members working in the English NHS have voted to say that they approve the government’s decision to offer a 5.5 per cent pay increase for 2024/5. 
Unite is clear, however, that the pay increase needs to signal the start of pay restoration and the proper valuing of NHS staff. Above inflation pay rises are essential in all future pay rounds until pay restoration is achieved. 
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “NHS staff are the bedrock of our health care system - without their dedication, hard work and commitment the NHS simply doesn’t exist. 
“The NHS has been run into the ground by successive Conservative governments but proposed reforms cannot be a byword for cuts or downgrades to our members’ pay and conditions.  
“The government’s needs to understand the foundations of this acceptance are fragile and there is still much to be done to restore the NHS workforces’ confidence in politicians.”
Unite is seeking urgent action on the commitment by the UK government to issue the NHS Staff Council with a funded mandate to begin to resolve outstanding concerns within the Agenda for Change pay structure. This is long overdue and much needed and the union reiterates its position that this work needs to start now.
Unite national officer for health Richard Munn added: “The commitment for pay increases being paid on time in 2025 is very welcome, it is essential that this happens. Trust cannot be broken on this point which is crucial to the lowest paid in the NHS.
“It is essential that the NHS does not suffer fresh cuts as, inevitably, it is our members that will end up shouldering this burden and it will be patients who ultimately suffer.”
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