The pay bill for senior NHS managers is accelerating ahead of pay for nursing staff, research by the RCN has found.
FOI requests to NHS provider trusts in England have revealed that the amount spent on executive directors over the last two years has increased by an average of 6.1 per cent compared to a 1.6 per cent rise in earnings for nurses, midwives and health visitors.
The findings of the RCN's All in it together? The Executive pay bill in England's NHS were published yesterday following the Government's decision to ignore the Independent Pay Review Body's recommendation on nurse's pay. This meant that most nurses won't be getting a cost of living increase this year, and those who will, will be receiving less than £5 a week.
In contrast, the research shows that 50 per cent of trusts have been awarded salary increases of at least £5000 to one or more executive director.
Peter Carter, the chief executive and general secretary of the RCN, called the findings ‘another kick in the teeth for hardworking and loyal nursing staff'.
‘It's extremely worrying that the Government believes that trusts are acting responsibly when it's clear many are failing to show the leadership they should on senior management remuneration.'
Ninety-six per cent of nursing staff that responded to the RCN survey said they feel undervalued and underappreciated. Eighty-three per cent said that the Government's decision was causing anxiety about family finances and household bills. A further 66 per cent said that the Government's decisions about pay have made them seriously think about leaving the NHS.
The meeting of the RCN Congress deplored the Government's decision to ignore the recommendations of the Independent Pay Review Body and asked the Council to commit to a sustained campaign to protect pay. The majority voted in favour of this campaign.
To see the full report visit: http://bit.ly/1lrFcZ5