NHS Nurses' Pay Stalemate: Health Secretary Barclay's Firm Stand Despite RCN Talks
The Unyielding Government Stance on Nurses' Pay: Recent Discussions with the Royal College of Nursing
In a recent development that has sent ripples through the healthcare sector, Health Secretary Steve Barclay has held a "constructive" meeting with Pat Cullen, the chief of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). However, despite the seemingly positive dialogue, Barclay has made it clear that a new pay offer for nurses is not on the horizon. This comes after the previous pay deal, recommended by Cullen, was rejected by RCN members, leading to a situation where the offer was imposed due to the majority of the NHS Staff Council body favouring the deal.
The previous offer, described by Barclay as a "full and final" offer, comprised a 5% pay rise and a cash top-up. This has led to the RCN currently balloting its members over the possibility of further industrial action, with nearly 30,000 members participating in the vote. Cullen has expressed her disappointment, stating, "Once again, we have been forced to ask our members if they want to take to the picket lines in their fight for fair pay."
The cost of living crisis has led to the RCN participating in nationwide industrial action across England for the first time in its history. Other health unions, including Unison, GMB, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists, and the Royal College of Midwives, eventually voted to accept the government's pay increase offer.
Barclay, speaking about the deal, stated that it would result in a band six, entry-level nurse receiving over £5,000 over two years. However, he also pointed out that what some in the RCN are asking for is not legally possible, as it would involve giving a band six nurse different pay to a band six midwife or a band six paramedic.
While the pay element of the deal is closed, Barclay indicated that there is room for talks about issues like violence against staff and pension abatement. As the situation unfolds, the healthcare sector waits with bated breath to see how this standoff will be resolved.