NHS salaries have fallen by up to 32%, a new analysis by the RCN has found.
The study found that, when adjusted for inflation, salaries in all NHS pay grades have fallen in real terms. In one pay grade, this meant a pay cut of 32%. While nursing staff have seen their salary increase in cash terms, in reality this buys them far less than it did 10 years ago, the analysis concludes.
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‘This new analysis shows the devastating real-term cuts to NHS salaries over the past decade. Years of austerity have left nursing staff badly underpaid,’ said Dame Donna Kinnair, RCN Chief Executive and General Secretary.
‘The nation has seen the very best of nursing in the past year – the skill, dedication and professionalism involved. The government cannot possibly stand by this insulting 1% offer.’
The revelation comes ahead of a Westminster Hall debate, where MPs will discuss the government’s suggestion of a 1% pay increase for NHS staff. Although MPs can't vote on any policy changes during the debate, they are able to ask the government questions on what action they plan to take.
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‘Staff morale is at an all-time low and talks of a paltry 1% pay offer only serves to rub salt in the wounds,’ said Rehana Azam, GMB National Secretary.
‘Another real terms pay cut for our paramedics, nurses, health care assistants, porters and cleaners cannot be the way forward for an NHS service that is on its knees with staffing shortages and backlogs as a result of the pandemic