Rather than clapping, Government should support 'proud but beleaguered’ health service after its finest hour battling pandemic, says GMB
GMB, the union for NHS staff, says the best way to mark the NHS’s 73rd birthday today [July 5, 2021] is to offer workers a proper pay rise – rather than forcing through ‘chaotic’ new legislation.
The long-awaited health and care bill is expected to be put before parliament this week despite concerns among hospital bosses and NHS workers.
Rachel Harrison, GMB National Officer, said:
“Our NHS has reached its 73rd birthday in a proud but beleaguered state.
“The service itself has been battered by ten years of Conservative cuts followed by a pandemic, leading to huge waiting lists, cancelled operations and patients being treated in corridors.
Ministers need to focus on protecting our NHS workers - who are exhausted - not on more restructures and reorganisation which will cause chaos and confusion at the worst possible time. If the Government wants to mark this birthday they should support our campaign for a 15% pay rise for NHS staff.
Rachel Harrison, GMB National Officer
“Meanwhile the workforce – off the back of their finest hour on the frontline of the covid crisis – are suffering from ten years of real terms pay cuts and are now expecting to receive another pay cut as a reward for their efforts.
"Ministers need to focus on protecting our NHS workers - who are exhausted - not on more restructures and reorganisation which will cause chaos and confusion at the worst possible time.
“Rather than clapping, if the Government wants to mark this birthday they should support our campaign for a 15% pay rise for NHS staff.”
