NHS staff need pay rise that truly recognises the pressures they face

Responding to the Department of Health and Social Care's evidence to the NHS Pay Review Body (NHSPRB), which proposes a pay rise for NHS staff of just 1% in 2021-22, Danny Mortimer, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation, said:

"Our members will be confused, concerned and upset that the government previously appeared to commit to a higher pay award for NHS staff relative to the 1% award being paid to other public sector workers and is now saying that is not possible. The government cannot surely have intended to present such mixed messages to NHS teams whilst they are continuing their efforts in response to the pandemic.
 
"The position presented by the DHSC can only be a consequence of a Budget that comprehensively failed to deliver for health and social care.

"When the NHS Pay Review Body publish their recommendations, the Government must revisit this position so that the pay award is properly funded."