Health Secretary Steve Barclay held a “constructive” assembly with Royal College of Nursing (RCN) chief Pat Cullen – however made clear {that a} new pay provide for nurses won’t be forthcoming.
Ms Cullen beforehand advisable the members of her union settle for the deal agreed with the federal government, nevertheless it was rejected by members.
However, the provide was imposed as a result of a majority of the NHS Staff Council physique wished to take the deal – regardless of the opposition from the RCN.
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Speaking to Trevor Phillips, who was internet hosting Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Sky News, Mr Barclay was requested a few current summit with Ms Cullen.
He mentioned they “had a very constructive meeting this week” – however described what was supplied beforehand and accepted by the NHS Staff Council as a “full and final” provide.
This provide amounted to a 5% pay rise, plus a money top-up.
Currently, the RCN is balloting over whether or not to take additional strike motion, with near 30,000 members collaborating within the vote.
Ms Cullen mentioned beforehand: “Once once more, we’ve been pressured to ask our members in the event that they need to take to the picket traces of their combat for honest pay.
“This is unfinished business and the government can get it resolved without the need for more strike action.”
The price of residing disaster noticed the RCN participate in nationwide industrial motion throughout England for the primary time in its historical past.
After different well being unions additionally took motion, Unison, GMB, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists and the Royal College of Midwives have been all amongst those that ultimately voted to just accept the pay improve supplied by the federal government.
Nurses took half of their first nationwide strikes in England
Demands aren’t ‘legally attainable’
Speaking concerning the deal, Mr Barclay instructed Sophy Ridge on Sunday: “It means a band six, entry-level nurse gets over £5,000 over the two years – recognising the huge, valuable contribution that NHS staff have made.
“Now what some within the RCN are asking us to do is not legally attainable.
“It’s not possible to give a band six nurse different pay to a band six midwife or a band six paramedic.”
Unite was one other union which rejected the federal government’s provide.
Members at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London, and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, final week introduced they’d be downing instruments on 1 June – and junior docs shall be strolling out for 72 hours on 14 June.
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The RCN management is encouraging its members to vote in favour of strikes.
While Mr Barclay mentioned the pay component of the deal is closed, there’s room for talks about points like violence towards workers and pension abatement, he added.
Content Source: information.sky.com