With government finances under immense pressure due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson stating that a 1 per cent pay rise is all the government can afford, NHS workers are calling for more substantial rises to secure the future workforce.

Alan Ridley, Senior Royal College of Nursing Officer for North East London, said: “The pandemic has shone a light on the complex, skilled and safety critical role of nursing. Nursing through the pandemic has shown nursing at its best, but at the same time it has been incredibly tough for staff who have had to work under unimaginable pressure for an extended period.

“Even before the pandemic, London had over 8,500 nurse vacancies in the NHS alone, not including shortages in social care.”

The RCN has set up a £35 million industrial action fund, following the government’s 1 per cent announcement.

Research commissioned through London Economics suggests a £4.25bn NHS investment would support a 12.5 per cent pay rise and be highly beneficial to the economy in the long term. It would have a positive impact on staff recruitment and retention, meaning reduced spending on, for example, bank and agency staff.

UNISON represents health workers across the pay grades. UNISON’s Greater London head of health Jamie Brown said: “NHS staff in London have made tremendous sacrifices in the fight against Covid. There’s a real danger many employees may feel they can no longer face such demanding roles and leave the NHS for somewhere they feel more appreciated.”

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