23.04.18
RCN seeks views on three-year pay deal
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has opened its vote for its members to have their say on a three-year pay deal.
If approved, the deal would see most NHS staff get a 6.5% pay increase spread over three years.
The union says that the new pay structure would reduce the number of pay points in each band and remove the current overlap between bands.
It also says that starting salaries will be higher and that staff will be able to progress to the top of their band quicker.
Members working for the NHS in England will be able to have their say on whether or not to accept the proposals in an online consultation, open until 5 June.
The RCN has said that it believes that this is the best deal that can be negotiated at “a time of continued restraint on public sector spending,” and it is urging its members to accept it.
Lors Allford, chair of the RCN trade union committee, said that although the proposal is not perfect, it is realistic in the current climate.
“It’s the highest public sector pay deal in 10 years from a Government still committed to austerity. It commits significant cash to overlooked NHS staff without making any unpalatable demands in return,” she explained.
The RCN trade union committee will make the final decision about the pay deal.
Allford added: “This isn’t about imposing a deal on members, though we are recommending they accept it.
“What’s most important is that members vote. The RCN is its members and we will listen.”
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