HEALTH workers across the West Midlands are appealing to the public this week to back their campaign so NHS staff can receive a proper pay rise before the summer, says the health sector union Unison.
Health workers in Scotland will soon receive a wage rise – of at least four per cent – backdated to December after the government there found extra resources to fund the increase.
NHS staff in the rest of the UK are not so fortunate, says Unison.
The union has been making the case for a minimum wage boost of at least £2,000 for staff while the government suggested an increase of one per cent.
The union said staff feel increasingly taken for granted, worn out by the pandemic and overwhelmed at tackling the Covid backlog of cancelled appointments and operations.
Figures published last week show waiting lists are the longest ever.
Across the Midlands, more than 361,000 people are now having to wait more than 18 weeks for treatment. More than 84,500 have been waiting over a year.
Unison West Midlands head of health, Chanel Willis, said: “NHS staff have given their all during the pandemic.
“They’ll continue to do so to clear the backlog caused by Covid.
“But despite their incredible efforts, the government says a meagre one per cent rise is all they’re worth.
“A decent wage increase paid soon could stop staff feeling unloved and taken for granted, and perhaps be enough to persuade many thinking of walking to stay.”
