Statement from Anne Speed, UNISON Northern Ireland head of bargaining and representation
“Health workers in Northern Ireland have received the lowest pay adjustment. The Dept of Health has issued misleading information. It is a clear illustration of the disarray that exists and that nobody seems to be in charge.
“A non-consolidated adjustment equivalent to 1% was imposed in NI for 2014/15 without agreement and only available to those at the top of their service related pay scale. This is less than what health staff have secured across the rest of the UK.
“Last year, the previous minister confirmed that a pay uplift as recommended by the pay review body was listed within the health budget. This allocation was then slashed to meet trust budget deficits. A very modest uplift for staff who deliver on the front line was sacrificed.
“Messages are now being delivered that any future pay uplifts will have to be on a self-financing basis. In other words. more sacrifice is called for and with an overstretched workforce this can only be the deletion of jobs.
“This will not be acceptable to the vast majority of health staff. This or the next health minister will have to come to the table prepared to reach a fair deal.“