“There is no justification in the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) raising registration fees for midwives and nurses by a massive 20%” is the response from Gail Adams, UNISON Head of Nursing.
The warning comes in the wake of new NMC proposals for another inflation-busting increase that would see fees jump from £100 to £120 in a single year. The increase follows hot on the heels of a 32% fees increase only two years ago in 2012.
Gail Adams, went on to say:
“This proposed increase is disproportionate and adds insult to injury. It follows the Government’s recent decision to deny a pay increase to 70% of nursing staff this year, with a meagre 1% to the rest. This decision by the NMC means a further pay cut for nurses and midwives.”
Speaking at the council meeting today she said that the NMC should “think again” and argued that the NMC should consider the impact such a large fees rise would have on registrants. Whilst recognising their statutory responsibility to public protection, Gail Adams said it was of little benefit, if the impact of their decision was nurses and midwives voting with their feet and leaving the profession, which was a very real risk.
UNISON is urging nurses & midwives to sign the parliamentary petition http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/60164
Notes to Editors
The union is calling for an urgent meeting between the NMC Chair, Chief Executive and the Department of Health because technically the NMC is still in special measures.
UNISON says ‘no’ to outrageous 20% rise in nurse registration fees
UNISON represents the whole nursing family, including nurses, midwives, health visitors and healthcare assistants.
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