Nursing leaders in England are warning the government to boost nurse pay or risk potential strike action. A survey revealed that 91% of Royal College of Nursing members feel the 3.6% pay increase is insufficient. The union desires reforms to the NHS contract, as many nurses remain stuck in low pay bands despite their skills. If no action is taken over the summer, an industrial action ballot may ensue in the autumn. The government acknowledged nurses' dissatisfaction and is open to discussing broader contract reforms.
A survey of Royal College of Nursing members showed 91% did not think the 3.6% pay increase this year was enough. The RCN warned there was widespread dissatisfaction with the NHS contract, known as Agenda for Change. Nurses begin on band five, with a starting salary of just over 31,000, after this year's pay rise. Nearly half of nurses are on this bottom band and research shows many struggle to move on from it.
Instead of seeking a bigger pay rise, the union wants ministers to reform the way the NHS contract works, warning too many nurses get stuck on the lowest pay bands which do not reflect their skills. Sources at the union said this could be one way to address the low pay.
If the government does not act over the summer, the RCN is threatening to run an industrial action ballot in the autumn. The British Medical Association and government agreed to restart talks, although these are expected to focus on improving working conditions as ministers say they will not negotiate on pay.
More than 170,000 took part in the survey, more than half of the eligible membership. The government said it was disappointed nurses were not happy with the pay award, but it was willing to discuss wider reform of the contract.
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