Reacting to the news that Cabinet Secretary for Health Vaughan Gething AM has accepted the recommendations of the National Health Service Pay Review Body,
UNISON Cymru/Wales head of health Donna Hutton said,
“The decision of the UK government to cap pay rises at a meagre one per cent has left a bitter taste in the mouths of NHS Wales staff. After endless pay freezes and wage caps they feel taken for granted. They give their all helping those in need in very trying circumstances and this award shows how poorly they are thought of in Westminster.
“The implementation of the real living wage of £8.45 per hour is vital in helping the lowest paid workers but the UK government must provide enough money to ensure every member of staff in the NHS is fairly paid.
“As we enter separate negotiations on NHS employee contracts with the Welsh government this week, our Cabinet Secretary must ensure the valuable contribution of staff is properly recognised. If we want a world class NHS, we must invest in a quality workforce.”