Urgent Action Needed: Time for Talks! Time to Act!
NHS workers are fully committed to supporting the government’s efforts to reduce waiting times and tackle the backlog in healthcare. However, for too long, NHS staff have faced pay rises that come months after the 1st of April and are often far below the rising cost of living. The annual pay review process locks workers out of meaningful involvement and delays the financial recognition they deserve.
Last year, the government promised to sit down with unions and employers to fix the pay scale issues that leave too many staff underbanded and unrewarded, with the lowest paid often dipping below the minimum wage each year. But when the government abandoned this promise, Unison immediately and firmly challenged their decision.
Since then, the situation has worsened. NHS staff are frustrated, and the government’s shift in stance leaves their promises in question. It’s time to escalate our campaign, to push harder, and to demand that the government keeps its word. We will not back down – it’s time for talks, and we need everyone to join us.
The Labour government initially pledged to open negotiations to resolve outstanding concerns with the NHS pay structure. However, they have failed to follow through on this commitment, and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) backtracked on its promise entirely. Prior to their election, the Labour government placed great emphasis on resolving disputes within the NHS, acknowledging the failures of the previous government in refusing to negotiate.
We’re asking every MP across England to put pressure on the government to open negotiations and fix the pay system once and for all. But we need your help to make that happen.
What we need you to do:
- Update your contact details – Ensure we can keep you informed by heading to My UNISON , contact Unison Direct or contact us at Branch level with your updated details.
- Email your local MP – Use the link provided https://unsn.uk/timefortalks to access our tool to write to your constituency MP and demand that NHS staff deserve urgent and meaningful negotiations on NHS pay.
We are stronger when we act together. Nothing will change unless we show up, speak up, and demand change. This is the moment to make our voices heard.
The core of our campaign is clear: the government must enter serious negotiations through the NHS Staff Council to resolve structural pay issues, with a focus on improving pay for the lowest points in the system. We are asking MPs across England to join us in calling for the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to immediately open these negotiations.
Now is the time for action.
We need everyone to help bring the government to the table and ensure that NHS staff are respected, valued, and properly rewarded.
Together we have a united voice, stand together as UNISON. Let’s make change happen! #TimeForTalks #FairPayNow #UnisonStrong #ActTogether #NHS #FairPayForNHS
Posted: 24th January 2025