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Three-year 8% pay offer to nurses Three-year 8% pay offer to nurses
(20 minutes later)
Nurses and other NHS workers have been offered a three-year pay deal worth 8% by the government.Nurses and other NHS workers have been offered a three-year pay deal worth 8% by the government.
The proposed deal would give over a million staff an increase of 2.75% from April, followed by further increases of 2.4% in 2009/10 and 2.25% in 2010/11.The proposed deal would give over a million staff an increase of 2.75% from April, followed by further increases of 2.4% in 2009/10 and 2.25% in 2010/11.
The offer - the highest in the public sector - is aimed at heading off the threat of NHS industrial action.The offer - the highest in the public sector - is aimed at heading off the threat of NHS industrial action.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the deal was good for nurses, and for the wider economy.Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the deal was good for nurses, and for the wider economy.
He said: "It shows that we can deal with the challenges ahead and deal with them in a long term way that is to the benefit of the nurses, who deserve proper settlements and proper pay for the work that they do, and in the interests of the whole economy, which needs the stability that such a deal will give."He said: "It shows that we can deal with the challenges ahead and deal with them in a long term way that is to the benefit of the nurses, who deserve proper settlements and proper pay for the work that they do, and in the interests of the whole economy, which needs the stability that such a deal will give."
The Royal College of Nursing welcomed the offer, which includes a commitment to re-open pay talks should inflation rise sharply, or there are significant changes to the labour market.The Royal College of Nursing welcomed the offer, which includes a commitment to re-open pay talks should inflation rise sharply, or there are significant changes to the labour market.
We have long argued that fair pay and decent conditions are vital to keep experienced nurses in the profession Dr Peter CarterRoyal College of NursingWe have long argued that fair pay and decent conditions are vital to keep experienced nurses in the profession Dr Peter CarterRoyal College of Nursing
Dr Peter Carter, RCN General Secretary said: "Nurses can now focus on doing what matters most, delivering high quality patient care, safe in the knowledge they have some degree of security over their household finances in the coming years. RCN general secretary Dr Peter Carter said the deal was better than expected.
"We have long argued that fair pay and decent conditions are vital to keep experienced nurses in the profession, while attracting much needed new blood." "Nurses can now focus on doing what matters most, delivering high quality patient care, safe in the knowledge they have some degree of security over their household finances in the coming years.
'Better than expected' 'Well-balanced package'
Dr Carter said the three-year deal was better than had been expected, and went some way to bridging the gap between the pay of nurses and other public sector workers.
Karen Jennings, head of health for the public sector union Unison, said the proposed deal set a new minimum wage for NHS workers of £6.77 an hour, and gives more money to nurses, midwives and paramedics stuck at the top of their grades.Karen Jennings, head of health for the public sector union Unison, said the proposed deal set a new minimum wage for NHS workers of £6.77 an hour, and gives more money to nurses, midwives and paramedics stuck at the top of their grades.
She said: "We will be asking our executive to consider recommending this deal to members as a well-balanced package."She said: "We will be asking our executive to consider recommending this deal to members as a well-balanced package."
But the Royal College of Midwives said it would not be recommending the deal as the second and third years may end up being below the rate of inflation.
Last year ministers provoked anger among nurses in England by deciding to stage the recommended pay increase, reducing its total value from 2.5% to 1.9%.Last year ministers provoked anger among nurses in England by deciding to stage the recommended pay increase, reducing its total value from 2.5% to 1.9%.
The threat of industrial action was averted by a revised offer, which included a £400 flat-rate rise for the lowest paid NHS workers, as well as money towards registration fees.The threat of industrial action was averted by a revised offer, which included a £400 flat-rate rise for the lowest paid NHS workers, as well as money towards registration fees.
It is also understood unions were given assurances future pay rises would be more generous.It is also understood unions were given assurances future pay rises would be more generous.
Health Secretary Alan Johnson said: "I am extremely proud of the outstanding professionalism of NHS staff and the high level of care they deliver for patients day in, day out.Health Secretary Alan Johnson said: "I am extremely proud of the outstanding professionalism of NHS staff and the high level of care they deliver for patients day in, day out.
"Today's announcement recognises their tremendous efforts. A multi-year deal ensures security for staff and allows them to plan for their future and the future of their families.""Today's announcement recognises their tremendous efforts. A multi-year deal ensures security for staff and allows them to plan for their future and the future of their families."