Nurses will contemplate the possibility of industrial action as the Royal College of Nursing puts its response to the government’s 1% pay cap to a vote.
The elected governing body of the RCN agreed to consult its members after the government’s announcement, which will see nurses take a pay cut in real-terms. RCN Council voted to ask members about the impact of pay restraint and how they should respond, including whether members should consider taking industrial action.
The shape of the consultation will be decided in the coming weeks and will be launched before the RCN Congress in May.
Chief executive Janet Davies said: ‘The decision taken today by RCN Council shows their concern for the impact continued pay restraint is having on dedicated nursing staff. The pay cap is fuelling a recruitment and retention crisis, and when compounded by issues such as down banding, substitution of roles and student funding changes, it’s a perfect storm for nursing.
‘I urge members to look out for this consultation and share their views with us; we are a member-led organisation and you will directly shape the next steps of our Nursing Counts campaign. Take this important opportunity to make your voice heard.’
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