Commenting on the Royal College of Nursing survey about nursing staff being at breaking point, UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said:
“These findings echo what staff across the entire NHS have been telling us. NHS employees as a whole are struggling to survive on just their basic pay.
“Cleaners, porters, paramedics, midwives, administrators and healthcare assistants have all gone without a proper pay rise for far too long. They work hard to deliver the best care for patients and their families in tough circumstances, and with limited resources.
“With inflation and interest rates on the rise, all health employees want is to be able to pay their bills, feed their families and live without constant financial worries.
“The NHS is already facing recruitment challenges. Giving all NHS staff an above inflation pay rise would ultimately be good for the health service and for patients everywhere.
“Next week the Chancellor has the opportunity to put an end to poverty pay in the NHS and give everyone a fair pay rise.”
Media contacts:
Fatima Ayad T: 0207 121 5255 M: 07508 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen T: 0207 121 5463 M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk