The Government should discuss Nurses pay with Unions.

[helford]

I believe they should be, at the time of the review body report in the spring/summer inflation was far lower plus Scotland has settled their dispute with a 7.5% average, around 9% for Band 5's reducing for higher paid staff.

We all clapped for our NHS staff just a year or two ago, have we all such short memories?

The only reason i can think of why they wont is political, they want a strike, thats just nasty and treating us all with contempt.

Of course the government should discuss it. They are hiding behind the pay review - but the government set the parameters for the pay review.

17% is never going to fly but nurses and other NHS staff clearly need a) a decent pay rise b) safer staffing levels.

. Looks like we are settling in Scotland with a pay deal that leaves me with a 3.6% pay rise. I’m raging.

Senior managers and doctors negotiate separately so a small number of senior nurses and ahps have been shafted. Millions were spent standardising the pay scales across all the different ranks and professions. So it’s a mockery to give some people 11% and some 2% ish.

I earn £42k working 3.5 days a week by the way, not a fortune. This week I worked pretty much full time to get it all done.

My friend said only way to get a decent pay rise is to change companies - but you bloody can’t if you are healthcare.

the government

More than one government involved -

12 December
Nurses' strike set to go ahead this week after late talks with Welsh Government fail.

www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/nurses-strike-wales-pay-talks-25735814

@MaryGubbins Its very poor isn't it? people who have worked had, taken on extra responsibility also need incentives and 3% isn't it.

My own belief is that people need to leave the NHS in even bigger numbers than they are already, the public are driving this, Govts will follow the public mood and until we lose Free at the point of use care, nothing will change, even with a Labour Govt.

Its sad isn't?

Did you read all of your link, not good for anyone.

helford
Did you read all of your link

Yes -
Helen Whyley Director, RCN Wales, said the strikes were "inevitable in Wales because the Welsh Government is making it so" and that it was the second time in two weeks that the Welsh Government had called a meeting without proposing a new pay offer.

Did you read your post?
The only reason I can think of why they won't is political, they want a strike, that's just nasty and treating us all with contempt.

So, the Welsh Labour Government are just nasty??

@Clavinova

Don't Westminster control the purse strings and have no tax raising powers?

If they do have both, then yes, exactly the same, i'm not a Labour fan if your trying to goad.

The dispute can be settled for just a little more than the pay review body %, do you not want that?

News flash: RCN/Barclay talks break down, RCN say Gov wouldn't discuss pay not accept strength of feeling on this.

Govt want the strike.

helford

Didn't you mention Scotland in your op?

Why compare Scotland to England, but not Scotland to Wales?

helford
The dispute can be settled for just a little more than the pay review body %, do you not want that?
News flash: RCN/Barclay talks break down, RCN say Gov wouldn't discuss pay

RCN haven't actually accepted the Scottish government's offer yet have they? Unite and Unison have.

@Clavinova err because Scotland shows what can be achieved.

Unless of course you want a strike.

helford
err because Scotland shows what can be achieved

The RCN ballot in Scotland closes next Monday - how do you know the offer will be accepted? It hasn't been recommended.

Unless of course you want a strike

No - does Mark Drakeford want a strike?

@Clavinova Ask him yourself? or start a thread on Wales & Drakeford, i take it you live in Wales? such is your concern.

I'm talking about England and Barclay, a report commissioned by the Dept of Health has come out and said the NHS has suffered a decade of indifference and piecemeal funding, old buildings, not enough staff or equipment.

Barclay should be willing to compromise to avoid strikes, the unions appear to be, even talks on pay would avert strike action.

helford
err because Scotland shows what can be achieved

Nurses in Scotland are to go on strike early in 2023 after the Royal College of Nursing "overwhelmingly" rejected the latest pay offer from the Scottish government.

news.sky.com/story/nurses-in-scotland-to-strike-in-new-year-after-latest-pay-offer-overwhelmingly-rejected-12772478

You've got me there!!!! i surrender! over taken by events BUT they are talking about pay.

Shouldn't all sides be talking to one another about the issues that concern both?

Its pretty basic stuff in industrial relations, from whatever side you're coming from.

Yes the Government clearly want to “take on the unions” it’s a matter of principle to them that they must not concede anything to the NHS unions. They definitely want a strike because they believe that will turn the public against the staff. Barclay was at it yesterday accusing NHS staff of deliberately trying to harm patients. It’s a massive gamble from a desperate Government, one I think they will lose.

Couldn't agree more that the government is being stubborn in refusing to discuss pay and trying to blame the unions.

They have discussed it, the unions just didn't like the outcome. What you mean is "the government should cave in to the unions" - but that won't work, it will just encourage more strikes.

So whats the alternative plan?

Continue as we are, staff leaving, collapse in social care and lets have 10m waiting for treatment? (7.2m atm)

Unlike pretty much anything else, there is no alternative to the NHS that the vast majority can afford.

We have 29 out of 30 newly trained midwives leave the NHS... ignore the terrible treatment this means for women but what a waste of money.

Barclay has not had talks with any Union on pay, he has made a thing of this, which you should know if your going to comment.