News Focus

With inflation, the 3% award is a real-terms pay cut and leaves experienced nursing staff £200 a year worse off

Events will be held across the UK as the RCN prepares to consult members on next steps, after dissatisfaction with the Government's offer of a 3% pay rise.

The Government announced the NHS pay award for England in July after months of delays. However, with inflation, the 3% award is a real-terms pay cut and leaves experienced nursing staff £200 a year worse off, the RCN says.

Additionally, the government has since admitted that the money would be found from existing budgets, further upsetting the nursing profession as this funding will already be committed for patient care.

‘We know this award will not be enough to prevent an exodus of exhausted NHS nursing staff and ministers must now be honest about the impact this would have on patient care,’ said RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Pat Cullen.