10.11.14
Poll finds ‘overwhelming’ public support for NHS staff pay rise
As the second round of NHS strikes scheduled for 24 November looms large a new poll shows “overwhelming” support for the 1% pay rise unions are battling for.
The poll, commissioned by the Royal College of Midwives and carried out by ComRes, found that 82% of the public believe that NHS staff should receive the 1% pay rise recommended by the independent pay review body.
During the last strike Jeremy Hunt said that the NHS couldn’t afford a 1% pay rise alongside incremental increases. He added that if he agreed to the unions' pay demands it would lead to 14,000 frontline jobs being cut over two years.
Cathy Warwick, chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives, said: “Our members will be heartened to see these figures and the level of public support for them. The public know what the politicians seem unaware of; that investing in staff is investing in the NHS.
“People also know how dedicated and hard-working midwives and other NHS staff are. They also know that all NHS staff are asking for is a very modest 1% pay award. Midwives are not asking for banker-style bonuses. This 1% would still see their pay lagging significantly behind the rising cost of living. This also comes on the back of two years of pay freezes and way below inflation pay wards.”
As NHE previously reported, the action planned by unions for 24 November is set to be even more disruptive than last months’, when hospital clinics had to be postponed, antenatal classes cancelled, operations called off and military personnel drafted in to drive ambulances due to a lack of staff.
Four new unions will join the six who took part last month for a four hour walkout on the Monday, followed by all staff working-to-rule for the rest of the week.
ComRes interviewed 2,073 GB adults online between 17 and 19 October 2014.
(Image: c. Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email us directly at [email protected]