NHS Nurses Threaten Strike Over Pay Concerns as Real Wages Erode
Nurses deserve a major pay rise to counter the 25% real terms erosion over the last 15 years and may go on strike again unless ministers dramatically improve their “completely unacceptable” 2.8% offer to NHS staff, the profession’s leader has said.
Nursing leaders have raised alarm over the potential for renewed strike action by National Health Service (NHS) nurses in the United Kingdom, citing a significant 25% erosion in real wages over the past 15 years.
Professor Nicola Ranger, general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), emphasized the necessity for a substantial pay increase to tackle the decline in nurses’ earnings, which she describes as 'completely unacceptable.' Currently, the government has proposed a pay rise of 2.8%, which the RCN deems inadequate.
The RCN's annual congress is set to convene in Liverpool, where the discussion surrounding salary restoration and its implications for NHS staffing is expected to be a focal point.
Alongside nurses, resident doctors in England are also mobilizing, having initiated a ballot for further strike action after previous successful campaigns that resulted in a 22% salary increase over two years.
They are pushing for a 10% increase for the 2025-26 pay year, aiming to restore their pay to levels equivalent to those in 2008 by 2027.
In light of the challenges faced by healthcare professionals, Ranger noted that the situation is critical, stating, 'If every nurse in every setting was to put down their tools even for one hour in every setting, the impact would be catastrophic.' She underscored the importance of nurses in the healthcare system, advocating for a pay scale that reflects their essential contributions.
The looming threat of strike action stems from negotiations that Ranger indicated would require a long-term plan for salary restoration, acknowledging that a full 25% restoration would not occur immediately.
NHS Employers chief executive Danny Mortimer expressed concern regarding the potential for strikes, stating the importance of dialogue rather than conflict in addressing pay issues.
He highlighted that NHS trusts are facing significant financial challenges which could complicate negotiations.
Mortimer asserted that sustainable investment in pay is essential but must be manageable within current budgets, especially as NHS resources face increased scrutiny under financial resets initiated by NHS England.
In recent months, NHS nurses have participated in multiple strike days between December 2022 and May 2023, leading to a one-time payment for the previous fiscal year along with a 5% pay increase for the current year.
In contrast, nurses in Scotland have been offered an 8% wage increase over a two-year period, which represents a more favorable financial prospect compared to the offers made to counterparts in England.
The NHS pay review body has recommended a pay rise close to 3%, slightly above the government’s current proposal.
The outcome of negotiations is being closely monitored, as the RCN and other unions express their positions on fair compensation in light of rising living costs and staffing challenges.
Additionally, the union Unison is seeking member feedback on a potential strike should the 2025-26 pay offer fail to meet expectations.
A government spokesperson acknowledged the need to address past inadequacies in NHS pay and outlined the administration's commitment to rebuilding the NHS, framing the current financial offers as part of a broader strategy to improve conditions for healthcare workers.
The spokesperson reiterated that the government values the contributions of nurses and midwives and is reviewing recommendations from the relevant pay advisory bodies.
Professor Nicola Ranger, general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), emphasized the necessity for a substantial pay increase to tackle the decline in nurses’ earnings, which she describes as 'completely unacceptable.' Currently, the government has proposed a pay rise of 2.8%, which the RCN deems inadequate.
The RCN's annual congress is set to convene in Liverpool, where the discussion surrounding salary restoration and its implications for NHS staffing is expected to be a focal point.
Alongside nurses, resident doctors in England are also mobilizing, having initiated a ballot for further strike action after previous successful campaigns that resulted in a 22% salary increase over two years.
They are pushing for a 10% increase for the 2025-26 pay year, aiming to restore their pay to levels equivalent to those in 2008 by 2027.
In light of the challenges faced by healthcare professionals, Ranger noted that the situation is critical, stating, 'If every nurse in every setting was to put down their tools even for one hour in every setting, the impact would be catastrophic.' She underscored the importance of nurses in the healthcare system, advocating for a pay scale that reflects their essential contributions.
The looming threat of strike action stems from negotiations that Ranger indicated would require a long-term plan for salary restoration, acknowledging that a full 25% restoration would not occur immediately.
NHS Employers chief executive Danny Mortimer expressed concern regarding the potential for strikes, stating the importance of dialogue rather than conflict in addressing pay issues.
He highlighted that NHS trusts are facing significant financial challenges which could complicate negotiations.
Mortimer asserted that sustainable investment in pay is essential but must be manageable within current budgets, especially as NHS resources face increased scrutiny under financial resets initiated by NHS England.
In recent months, NHS nurses have participated in multiple strike days between December 2022 and May 2023, leading to a one-time payment for the previous fiscal year along with a 5% pay increase for the current year.
In contrast, nurses in Scotland have been offered an 8% wage increase over a two-year period, which represents a more favorable financial prospect compared to the offers made to counterparts in England.
The NHS pay review body has recommended a pay rise close to 3%, slightly above the government’s current proposal.
The outcome of negotiations is being closely monitored, as the RCN and other unions express their positions on fair compensation in light of rising living costs and staffing challenges.
Additionally, the union Unison is seeking member feedback on a potential strike should the 2025-26 pay offer fail to meet expectations.
A government spokesperson acknowledged the need to address past inadequacies in NHS pay and outlined the administration's commitment to rebuilding the NHS, framing the current financial offers as part of a broader strategy to improve conditions for healthcare workers.
The spokesperson reiterated that the government values the contributions of nurses and midwives and is reviewing recommendations from the relevant pay advisory bodies.
