The Government’s confirmation that the independent NHS Pay Review Body will not be required to make recommendations on pay awards for Agenda for Change staff for 2015/16, is a “slap in the face to NHS staff” said UNISON today. The union is calling the move “provocative” coming as it does just weeks before it is to ballot NHS members in England for industrial action.
Christina McAnea, UNISON head of health, said:
“Staff are the NHS’ most valuable asset. And despite this, the Government is going ahead and denying the vast majority a pay rise – not just for this year, but for next year too.”
“The Pay Review Body has kept the industrial peace for many years and by ignoring it this year and casting it aside for next, the Government is being deliberately provocative. This letter will only add to our members’ determination to vote ‘yes’ for industrial action.
“The Government still have time to head off this action with a fair pay deal. We are willing to sit down and settle the dispute but there cannot be any pre-conditions for talks.”
UNISON will be balloting health members in England for industrial action between 28th August and 18th September 2014. UNISON is working closely with the other health unions to plan and coordinate action.
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