Welsh people want their government to give healthcare workers a higher pay rise, according to public polling results released today (Thursday).
A Savanta ComRes poll of 1,009 people found 84 per cent of Welsh adults agree NHS staff in Wales deserve a higher pay rise for their work during the Covid-19 pandemic.
NHS staff in Wales have been offered a below-inflation 3 per cent after a decade of pay freezes or low pay awards.
The poll was commissioned by public services union, UNISON Cymru Wales, which has made securing a fair pay rise for all the public service workers who have worked throughout the pandemic, a priority.
The union says the poll findings increase pressure for a higher pay award and make for uncomfortable reading for ministers.
The Savanta ComRes poll also found: –
- 77 per cent of Welsh people say it is hypocritical for politicians who clapped key workers during the pandemic not to support fair pay rises for public service workers.
- 77 per cent support the Welsh government increasing the pay rise for NHS staff from 3 per cent to 4 per cent to be in line with the Scottish government.
Dawn Ward, chair of UNISON Cymru Wales’ Health Committee, said,
“These poll results have given healthcare workers a boost. We always knew Welsh people valued us more highly than politicians seem to.
“The pay offer from Welsh government makes no difference to healthcare workers’ standard of living and a below inflation pay rise is insulting.
“It’s time Welsh government significantly improved the pay offer for NHS staff. Treat healthcare workers with dignity we deserve.”
Hugh McDyer, UNISON Cymru Wales, head of health, said,
“The polling results are overwhelming. There is a clear feeling amongst Welsh people that the dedication and sacrifice of healthcare workers during the pandemic, should be properly rewarded with a higher pay rise.
“There’s an onus now on Welsh government to urgently think again and improve the pay award.”
UNISON is balloting its thousands of Welsh nurses, healthcare assistants, ambulance workers, hospital porters, cleaners, cooks, admin staff and more, and is recommending they reject Welsh government’s latest offer.
UNISON says a majority vote in favour of rejection will be a trigger for a ballot for industrial action.
Notes for editors
Savanta ComRes interviewed 1,009 Welsh adults aged 18+ online between 7 and 18 October 2021. Data were weighted to be representative of Wales by age, gender, region and social grade.
Q. The Welsh government has implemented a 3% pay rise for NHS staff in Wales without consulting with healthcare unions, whereas the Scottish government agreed with unions there to award its healthcare workers a pay rise of 4%.
To what extent, if at all, would you support or oppose the Welsh government increasing the pay rise for NHS staff from 3% to 4% to be in line with the Scottish government? Base: All respondents (n=1,009)
Strongly support |
56% |
Somewhat support |
21% |
Neither support nor oppose |
13% |
Somewhat oppose |
5% |
Strongly oppose |
4% |
Don’t know |
2% |
NET: Support |
77% |
NET: Oppose |
8% |
Q. To what extent, if at all, do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: All respondents (n=1,009)
Strongly agree |
Some-what agree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Some-what disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Don’t know |
NET: Agree |
NET: Dis-agree |
|
NHS staff in Wales deserve a higher pay rise for their work during the Covid-19 pandemic |
59% |
24% |
9% |
3% |
3% |
1% |
84% |
6% |
It is hypocritical for politicians who clapped key workers during the pandemic not to support fair pay rises for public service workers |
56% |
21% |
14% |
5% |
3% |
2% |
77% |
7% |
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Between 11 August and 17 September, UNISON health members in Wales were asked for their views on Welsh government’s 3% pay increase in a pay consultative exercise – 87.4% opposed the award imposition; 12.6% found it acceptable
-
UNISON’s evidence to the NHS pay review body had called for a wage increase of at least £2,000 for each individual health worker.
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The pay award was due in April, but staff have been made to wait until the summer. They have endured a decade of pay freezes or low pay awards because of UK government austerity.
-
At the end of October, UNISON Cymru Wales’ Health Committee voted to support ongoing talks with Welsh government to try to reach agreement on improving on the 3 per cent. During the urgent talks, Welsh government has proposed:
-
A one off non-consolidated additional payment of 1 per cent for those on bands 1-5, and the F1 doctors who fall into this pay band. This payment would not be pro rata.
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An additional day’s annual leave for all employed NHS staff.
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To put resource behind a partnership group that looks at ‘staff welfare’ and bring together new initiatives and existing best practice.
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Allow staff to sell back their unused annual leave from their carryover from 20/21 plus a proportion of leave from 21/22.
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UNISON’s pay consultation will run from 8 November to 10 December
Contact
Alastair Gittins, UNISON Cymru Wales press officer 07816 53 83 97
