NHS 247 supports Unite's petition for a fair pay award for NHS Staff
3 years of pay at half
the rate of inflation?
Sign our petition and support the
campaign for a fair pay award for
NHS staff
We the undersigned believe NHS staff deserve a fair pay award. The three-year pay deal imposed by
the Government is a real pay cut for staff, awarding annual increases that amount to barely half of a
rapidly growing rate of inflation. This is unfair - 7.99% over 3 years is poor reward for staff who
deliver vital health care services to patients, service users and local communities. It will cause longterm
damage to the morale of NHS staff.
At a time when people are experiencing significant rises in living costs they cannot avoid, the
Government should urgently re-open pay negotiations with the trade unions.
We say 'Cut NHS Pay - No Way!'
Sign Petition Here
Feel free to comment on this petition
Comments (99)
I'm sick of the NHS workers being targetted simply because we care enough for our patients and colleagues that we do not strike, our salaries are low enough without taking a paycut, morale is at an all time low i'ts about time we had a boost not another kicking
Maureen Watson , Sunday, January 4, 2009
i work as apractice nurse and do feel constantly undervalued,we have come out in the recent pay awards as the poor relation to nurses in the NHS
, Monday, December 29, 2008
It seems the goverment doesn't realise that we have the same bills as them, mortgage, council tax, water, fuel, etc , etc, how do they think healthcare workers and everyone else is managing!
, Wednesday, December 24, 2008
It is not just the pay deal, the whole AFC was unfair and degrading to some of us. If I had known what was going to happen I would never have worked for the NHS. I am poorer now than 10 years ago!
Terry Salmon , Wednesday, December 24, 2008
all we nurses would like is a fair days pay for a fair days work
martin booth , Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Susan Turner , Tuesday, December 23, 2008
employees rightly need to treat service users/patients with dignity and respect.... reasonable pay to support a reasonable standard of living would perhaps be a government iniciative towards treating staff with the dignity and respect they too deserve
, Tuesday, December 23, 2008
This unfair yet again everybody else goes on strike for it Royal Mail, Police, Firemen, Nurses etc etc What about us as well we are really hard working too and stressed putting our lives in danger too. Ive even had to ask my parents if i can move back in to my family home because i cant afford to live on the money im on.
Kimberley Rice , Monday, December 15, 2008
Having just read some of the comments below, I am gratified to see that some A&C staff can finally share their views. The 'professional' staff within the NHS would not be able to function without us, as would the entire system. It's high time we were given a decent salary - so much for 'performance related' pay - we got 'Agenda For Change' instead - a supposed extra week annual leave - I wonder why we suddenly have to work a 37.50 hour week????
Giv us the chance of earning a decent wage for our work!!
Sharonn Grayling , Thursday, December 11, 2008
First it was the 'rip off Agenda for Change' that was forced upon us and now further insult to injury in our annual pay 'deal'. It's demoralising to say the least.
Janette Glynn , Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Given the increase in annual registration fees, the rising cost of diesel, gas, electricity, travel, food etc the list is endless the annual pay rise it is an insult to our profession. For most nurses their salary doesn't reflect these rising costs. They clearly advertise the salary for newly qualified nurses as being an incentive to become a nurse however those of us who have been nurses for too many years to mention, do not see the benefits of the annual pay rise in relation to the rise in the cost of living. Most industries fight for pay deals however nurses are at the mercy of the unions and although they do their level best we have no option as most nurses would not see their patients at risk as a result of strike action so we are basically at the mercy of the government. We need to fight and have our say to make a difference, so fight!!!!!!
, Monday, December 8, 2008
It is an absolute disgrace and an insult. Like most of my colleagues we are fed up of the term " VOCATION" what it really means is working for charity.
A very good friend of mine works for the Inland revenue and has all expenses paid, first class travel to meetings and time given if any delay occurs ! and gets a hell of a lot more money . we even have to pay for our own car parking to get to work , annual registration fees , etc . need i say more
, Tuesday, December 2, 2008
if the powers that be want this proffession to be educated at degree level and above they should pay the same as other post graduate proffessions.
, Wednesday, November 19, 2008
I would be happy to accept the same pay deal as all the middle and senior managers and pen pushers
, Monday, November 17, 2008
To all you big cheifs out there, listen to these people, and don't say you have not been warned! Fair pay for fair hardworking staff.
, Monday, November 17, 2008
The survival of the NHS is dependent on caring, hardworking individuals...sadly, it is these same individuals who are taken advantage of during these difficult economic times...unlike other govt run establishments, I like to think we are too conscientious and patient orientated to down tools and demonstrate our feelings towards this insult. The govt should at least keep pay alongside the rate of inflation.
, Monday, November 17, 2008
I have been working with nhs from l2 yrs. We work very hard under short of staff most of the time. Try to give our best to the patients, n't get paid well. as the cost of living gone so higher, goverment has to do something if they want people to join nhs in future.
rajni chadha , Monday, November 17, 2008
Although I do admin work I do feel that the nurses etc do not get paid what they deserve. At the moment I am also cancerned about my salary as I am soon to be divorced and need every penny I can get.
, Monday, November 17, 2008
I agree with all the comments here. I have been in the NHS for 30 years and it took me this long to be on what is deemed to be a decent wage. All aroumd me i see middle managers and senior mangers posts springing up and the pay is not that bad but who cares about the staff on the ground where the real work is being done? If only the staff on the ground were paid what they shoiuld be entitled to for the level of repsonsibility, the world would be a much nicer place and children would not be failed by health professionals or others.
, Sunday, November 16, 2008
How can the Government bail out big commercial companies sich as the Royal Bank of Scotland, Northern Rock and others but wanting to 'Cut NHS Pay'. I think it is disgusting that tax payers money is being used to bail out these companies of which is also from NHS employees. On the conterary, NHS employees are very low paid for the work that we do. It is a difficult job dealing with sick people and most of the time the thoughts remain in your mind of wanting to make a patient better and how you could have saved a life. The only time someone is grateful for the NHS staff is when they or their famalies or relatives lend up in a hospital.
, Friday, November 14, 2008
I have worked as a Medical Secretary for the NHS for over 18 years and have been a loyal and dedicated worker who feels that my contribution is of common cause but now feel that Admin and Clerical's contribution is not recognised. The amount of work load we have to bear is unbelievable and for a meagre salary compared to the private sector and we do not even get any perks. If we are ill we have to queue and take our turn with the patients when in fact we should be given priority as staff.
Jo Bagenda , Friday, November 14, 2008
Terry Redhead , Sunday, November 9, 2008
I started my training as an Enrolled Nurse in 1982 as a 19 year old & all I wanted to do was look after people and make them better or give them a comfortable end to their life. I completed my conversion so that I could continue to do the job I loved but I am no longer allowed to do that because we don't have the correct amount of staff or the resources because of financial restraints, but we can afford the reams of paper and add to global warming by chopping down the rain forests to complete the paperwork before looking after the patients needs. I also object to not getting a decent wage for a days work and then having to part with a large chunk of it to pay the NMC.
, Wednesday, November 5, 2008
I have worked very very hard and been loyal to the NHS for 33 years. I would never go on strike, however, maybe it has now come to that. We are not asking for the moon, just fair recognition and salary to reflect the enormous responsibility and pressure our jobs carry....
Trish Earle, Community Midwife, Hampshire , Friday, October 31, 2008
i have to pay to come to work in gloucester as i refuse to work for the mental health trust in swindon, have accepted i will die in debt, so im happy to have a bit more for fuel but as a nurse my job will go to non professionals in a few years
donna , Friday, October 31, 2008
We can not keep up with the rate of inflation. We are struggling to survive with the high prices of food,petrol,electricity etc....
Angela Exton , Wednesday, October 29, 2008
When the chiefs of failed banks receive a bonus, why should NHS not be payed a fair wage?
Jane Fallon , Monday, October 27, 2008
I appreciate that the country is currently entering a recession and tax payers may well feel aggreived at having to pay more to finance our salary. However, we too are much affected by the credit crunch and still have lives and families to support. I feel very much that our roles are expanding and responsibilities increasing. If I didn't work in the public sector I'd be paid at least twice what I earn now with less stress and pressure placed upon me with a better work life balance. for too long the gonvernment have been willing to underpay health staff. when will they realise the damage they are doing. Staff are leaving the NHS in vast numbers, the new NHS constitution looks great on paper but soon there will be no one left to make it real#1
, Sunday, October 26, 2008
such little monetary value is placed on the caring professions unyet what would you do without us?
, Friday, October 24, 2008
I'm astonished the NHS unions accepted what was clearly a very poor deal even at the time the "agreement" was imposed. And it looks much worse now. As an administrator I don't feel as hard done by as those at the sharp end, but morale is very low (and falling) in my workplace. Pressure just mounts and mounts, and the rewards for trying to respond are just inadequate.
, Thursday, October 23, 2008
Under agenda for change my band was downgraded, other staff on the same band have far less responsibility yet receive the same pay. My household bills have increased dramatically, yet the government see no need to increase our pay. They have no problem giving themselves increases. If we all decided to work to rule the NHS would fall apart. Morale is low, no wonder qualified staff are leaving to take up roles in the private sector. It would be great to feel appreciated and respected, by our government paying us what we deserve, not what balances the books. Money is being spent on landscaping, Sculptures, and expensive art works, but not on wages. BONKERS. We are not asking for the millions given in golden handshakes to failing private business, just a fair deal.
, Wednesday, October 22, 2008
I have been in nursing for 30 years & in the past would never have considered agreeing to any form of strike action, now I'm not so sure, other public sector workers have done so & have been awarded the pay deals requested, why are we as a profession always at the bottom of the pile! my friends son is at present a trainee electrcian & he earns more a month than I do, where is the reasoning behind that !
, Tuesday, October 21, 2008
I have never had to struggle with the family budget as I do know and I have always worked so hard for the NHS. I now work almost 40 hrs a week sometimes and juggle being a Mum of three with an exhausting career!!! It's about time we had the respect we deserve, this should be reflected in our salary.
, Monday, October 20, 2008
I work as an administrator and, after being downgraded under AfC, I am already on a 3 year pay freeze. Hard times? You bet!
, Monday, October 20, 2008
I feel HCA get a raw deal from all the staff from Dr to staff nurses we do all the personal care plus we are the cap between the old auxcilliary nurse and SEN why are we treated so badly
, Monday, October 20, 2008
as a practice nurse i feel the need to highlight our plight. not all GPs even pay their practice nurses according to the NHS rates. there are no increments and no increases according to national pay deals either. practice nurses are training to be more experienced and taking on more roles within practices including independant prescribing and minor illness, yet or salaries are less than half what a GP earns. Wheres the justice?? how come the Government can find billions of taxpayers pounds to bail out the banks butr cant find anymore money to pay ALL nurses what they are worth to the NHS????
, Friday, October 17, 2008
No wonder there is a shortage of nurses .I have been a nurse within the NHS for 40 years and have never known a time where moral is so low .We seem to have lost respect both by patients and government.We joined the proffession for love not money but we need to have a life out side of work too,and we deserve the pay rises enjoyed by other proffessionals.
, Friday, October 17, 2008
I have been qualified for 35 years, I love my job, but can't wait to retire now because of all the discontent and uncertainty, I don't know how students manage or why they consider nursing as a career any more
, Friday, October 17, 2008
Gloria Bevan , Thursday, October 16, 2008
I feel that in this day and age when bankers are being rewarded for a failing system and government officials award themselves an above inflation pay award why should healthcare workers be the ones to suffer the indignity of a pay cut. We are the ones who on a daily basis have to deal with tradgedy and heartache and are left struggling to survive. We are expected to role over and accept what is given to us! Well I for one am not prepared to do this anymore and when we are next approached on a ballot to strike will be saying yes. If others can go on a strike and get better pay, or if bankers can go bust and award themselves bonuses, or if the parliment feels the pinch then why can't we. We deserve to be treated fairly...
John Daly , Thursday, October 16, 2008
Since the last pay award, petrol has gone up, the mortgage has gone up, food has gone up astronomically, gas and electricity has gone up astronomically. The cost of everything has increased more than our pay rise. Over the past year, as acute nurses, we have been understaffed on virtually every shift, we have had to treat more patients, add additional cleaning duties to our already packed days work, cope with a constant and increasing stream of inspections and audits, increased paperwork (much of it duplication), change from short shifts to gruelling 121/2 hour days/nights, inadequate support from senior management when you have problems, inadequately trained junior doctors that need constant support to avoid mistakes and more problems, insufficient numbers of OT's and physios, insufficient intermediate care beds delaying patient discharges- the list goes on and on. And through all this, we are told to keep smiling! To our credit, we usually do. Why? Because we care! Isn't it about time this government and the RCN cared about us?
Karen Skinner , Thursday, October 16, 2008
So sad with all the 'hoops'the government expect us to jump through in the form of targets! Nursing can feel more like a politiacl game than what we joined the profession for. Insult to injury now with the pay offer. I apprieciate the principles of inflation, and the impending recession, but we're not asking to be made wealthy, just to be able to survive in this time of financial hardship.
Fiona Trigomedis-Powell , Wednesday, October 15, 2008
we all should be more active about this.
Its unfare,but they don,t care so lets get some action.
deirdre singer , Wednesday, October 15, 2008
I have now worked for the nhs for 20 years and morale is at an all time low, I would not reccomend this profession any more and I am from a family of nurses going back 4 generations.....very sad indeed
, Wednesday, October 15, 2008
"GET UP,STAND UP AND FIGHT FOR OUR RIGHTS".
K.PARAOUTY , Wednesday, October 15, 2008
You have to question why the RCN agreed to this deal in the current economic crisis
, Wednesday, October 15, 2008
I have just read the comments below and have to agree that we have been well and truly sold down the river by the unions. I do not remeber being asked if I agreed to the 3 year pay deal and now with the credit crunch the value of our pay deal is non existent. I do not agree with striking but if asked I think I would give it serious consideration. I have been a member of the RCN for many years and, yes, I may consider joining a union that actually seems active rather than passive when it comes to pay negotiations.
All I can say is - roll on retirement 35 pay days and counting !!
, Wednesday, October 15, 2008
WE ARE NO MORE ENJOYING THIS LOVING PROFESSION. THE MORALE IS LOW. IS THERE ANY HELP FORTH COMING? WHEN ARE WE GOING TO BE APPRECIATED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
, Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Its about time we speak out of the injustices against us. I feel we have always been treated as the poorer cousins of the public sector workers. We are skilled professionals and as such should be payed as skilled workers.
, Tuesday, October 14, 2008
we already work under rated, and short of staff, we also need more staff and less managers.
leta hussey , Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Kathy Ashun , Tuesday, October 14, 2008
we are worth gold when all goes wrong & less in pay if all is right
lisa tupman , Tuesday, October 14, 2008
nhs pay rise should be same for all ,why bring in agenda for change then give different levels different rises .yet again longterm serving members of the nhs suffer
, Tuesday, October 14, 2008
where are the unions and why are they not doing anything about this instead of just agreeing. Social services recently striked because of the same thing its about time we did the same so people start to recognise and respect us
, Tuesday, October 14, 2008
This pay deal is a disgrace and needs looking at again. This deal is in effect a pay cut for 3 consecutive years. Show us Nurses some respect and re visit the pay deal.
, Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Here we are in a situation where banking staff get tidy 20+ % bonuses each Christmas while us saps in the public sector not only have contributed to the taxes to bail the banking industry out but will be having their inflation raise halved.
I'm sure despite this year of turmoil in the banking industry bonuses (although reduced) will still be paid. Where is the justice in this world?
, Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Trusts are employing more and more band 8's while recruitment bans are on how do they justify finding the money for this. Take away a level of unneccary management and we could have a decent pay rise.
, Tuesday, October 14, 2008
I feel we are underpaid for the amount of responsibility we undertake
, Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Taking on more responsibility for less pay and as I use my car for work need I say more
, Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Perhaps the MPs should do the work of a nurse for a year with the salary, expenses of the nurse whilst the nurse has their pay and expenses and job. Then lets see if they continue to "Smile more"
, Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Nurses have always been the cinderellas of the government's pay packet. I guess we are taken for granted because nurses view their duty of care as paramount and will always put the patient before pay. Enough is enough. The government should recognise that nurses live in the real world too. Don't push nurses too far!!!!
Joan Chakaodza , Tuesday, October 14, 2008
I am coming to the end of my nursing career which I started in 1967 and still earn less than a police constable.
Joan Pritchard , Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Nurses have peoples lives in their hands the value we place on nurses echos the values we place on people in this country, very little!!!!!!
Shirley , Monday, October 13, 2008
It would appear that the more responsibility undertaken and the better the services are improved and provided by nursing staff the less we are valued and consequently paid. If I were starting my career again I wouldn't choose nursing. If nurses striked just for one day the whole NHS would come to a standstill. How about a little respect for a very respectable and necessary profession.
Elizabeth Humphrey , Monday, October 13, 2008
have we been sold down the river by the rcn that says it has its members best interests at heart. I cant believe that its members of which i am one, ever voted in favour of the award. Are we realy that stupid. Maybe its time to abandon the RCN altogether.
Ian Rowsell , Sunday, October 12, 2008
poor pay award for such professional people.morale is at an all time low. more responsibility,paper work and no end of stress.
, Friday, October 10, 2008
NO TO JOB AND PAY CUTS
, Wednesday, October 8, 2008
less money for more work and responsibility, a poor pay award for a vital service. Where are the unions? lets stop being the underdog find our voices and get some backbone if it takes industrial action then we have no option years of suppression and worsening conditions force radical action.
Gill Brady , Wednesday, October 8, 2008
nurses are the underdogs, as ever, of the NHS. Pay. morale and conditions are poor. Every pay review seems an opportunity to divide and distress nurses in all areas
, Tuesday, October 7, 2008
gloria st.calir , Monday, October 6, 2008
Just because we are the 'caring' profession, why should we not get a fair pay rise like other comparable professions. I honestly belive that unfair advantage is taken here!!
, Monday, October 6, 2008
We are all struggling to make ends meet in the current financial climate and despite dedicating our working lives to the care of others we are being left behind by the governments pay award for nurses. We deserve better!
, Monday, October 6, 2008
Nurses must put all this threatening talk into punches and take INDUSTRIAL ACTION against the governments decisions on nurses well earned pay.
Gary Musgrove , Monday, October 6, 2008
Pressure is on nurses to extend their practice, many nurses now do the work of a junior doctor but no increase in pay. Practice nurses manage all chronic disease clinics with very little reward. This country should start paying nurses what they deserve. WE HAVE PATIENTS LIFE IN OUR HANDS!
ELLEN KENWORTHY , Monday, October 6, 2008
why are nurses always treated like second class citizens? I am approaching the 50th. anniversary of starting my training and I haver never seen nurses treated as badly and respected less than they are now.
, Monday, October 6, 2008
Weel done for doing this petition. Nurses have always had a raw deal when it comes to pay awards. It's about time we got a fair deal. Perhaps footballers should have their pay cut and the nurses could have what footballers don't deserve.
Christine Sibson , Monday, October 6, 2008
The Government does not value nurses, our profession needs to be in parity with other professions....teachers, lawyers etc, and of course the salaries that they earn
, Saturday, October 4, 2008
We need a pay rise, not half pay rise!!!
Clare Hughes , Friday, October 3, 2008
NHS workers aren't in their jobs for the money - it's because they care. We all work overtime as and when needed so that we can provide a good service. The government takes advantage of the goodwill offered. And note that it's not just nurses who suffer - it's right across the board. We're so badly paid that many can't even afford to join the pension scheme!
, Friday, October 3, 2008
Each year I recieve a pay rise it covers the increase in carpark charges the hospital imposes on me. so no real benifit to me and my family. And in fact as the economic climet as it has been over the last few years we have less because our pay does not keep up with inflation.I have now worked for the NHS for 26 years as a Midwife and Registered Nurse.always busy and always short staffed.I do think I and all my other collegues deserve some recognition for our dedication to the service.Perhaps its time ministers look at their own payrises and benifits which come with their jobs and distribute annual payrises with a consciounce. We DONT strike thats how other services get away with it.
B.Rigdon , Friday, October 3, 2008
Why should we continue to subsidise the NHS out of our wages ? We are losing excellent, experienced nurses because of the lack of a wage that continues to rise with inflation. We have a life too.
Liz Britton , Friday, October 3, 2008
I feel it is wholly unacceptable that NHS staff been given this so call payrise. It is in actual fact a pay cut. The pay negotiation should be urgently re open with a view to seek redress and increase apy deal to at least at least a percentage above inflation.
, Friday, October 3, 2008
nicola evans , Thursday, October 2, 2008
Why did the RCN and Unison accept this appalling pay offer in the first place?? When balloted, the Unite membership overwhelmingly rejected the offer!! I find it hard to believe that their membership were properly represented when they accepted the deal.
, Thursday, October 2, 2008
I HAVE WORKED FOR THE NHS SINCE 1974 AND THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALWAYS THOUGHT THEY CAN PAY THE POLICE AND TEACHERS MORE BY GIVING THE NURSES A LITTLE LESS
COLIN WEARS , Thursday, October 2, 2008
Should the unions be fighting harder for us and not agree to this in the first place?
, Thursday, October 2, 2008
After 35 years in the NHS working as a nurse the only thing that has not changed is the polititians attitude towards, and treatment of, nurses.
, Thursday, October 2, 2008
We will be working for charity by the time this Government have finished. Who in their right mind would want to enter a profession like Nursing and Midwifery in todays climate
, Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Politicians know that most nurses will not strike out of a duty to their patients, and therefore feel they can ride rough shod over us with every pay deal. They expect more from us than we can physically and emotionally give sometimes, and yet show little respect or concern for us.
carol hodgson , Wednesday, October 1, 2008
being part of nhs but wages paid by gp's gives practice nurses and even poorer deal -we were given only 2.5% rise,despite the global sum being increased to accommodate the 3yr deal .We need this situation to be challenged - but by who???i am a member of amicus
, Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Iam very lucky to work in a GP practice that gave us a good pay rise this year but not all Practice Nurses are as lucky. We are about to start ore flu jabs sessions this includes 2 sat mornings and extra week day clinics, the Gov do not realise how much good will is envolved in keeping our patients well with little or no help from them. So get your fingers out and reward the good hard working employees for giving up time and energy to make then look good ...!!!
Gaye Blackmore , Tuesday, September 30, 2008
the way its going we won't be able to afford to get to work soon.
This pay deal is an insult it won't even make a dent on the way everything is going up in price
, Tuesday, September 30, 2008
If this pay deal goes ahead all public sector workers should unite and strike. Police Fire, ambulance and nurses together see what the government says then. They still manage to get good deals for their pay packets despite credit crunches
Julie Williamson , Monday, September 29, 2008
If ypu get 7.99% over 3 years consider yourselves lucky. Many practice nurses didn't get any pay rise last year, I was lucky to get 2.9%cost of living rise but no increamental increase. Practice nurses are not covered by the pay awards as we are privately employed by GP' and not considerd NHS employees. Who is helping us??
Frances Switala , Monday, September 29, 2008
bottom line government, who ignore their own example, hypocrites
, Sunday, September 28, 2008
As with this recession we are suffering and to top it up a pay cut would be devasting news for me and people who work so hard to care for all for all kind of individuals.
, Friday, September 12, 2008
i barely make enough to pay my bills this is a big insult
, Tuesday, September 9, 2008
well with the amount my house is falling in value a few % on pay is not really going to help!!!!!
, Monday, September 8, 2008
I am an administrator for the NHS and feel outraged by this !
