UNISON health workers in Norfolk have been pushing local Labour MPs to fix NHS pay and get the government to start negotiating with unions.
South Norfolk MP Ben Goldsborough met officers from Norfolk and Norwich Acute Hospitals and East of England Ambulance Service branches at the end of March and agreed to raise the issues directly with health ministers.
After the meeting, he said: “Healthcare staff’s work keeps our NHS running, and it’s vital that unions have a seat at the table when decisions are made.
“Good pay and fair conditions aren’t just about supporting workers—they’re key to delivering the best care for patients. I’ll keep pushing for a system where staff are valued, listened to, and properly rewarded for the essential work they do.”
He met branch officers again recently to discuss the latest developments on pay and the need to negotiate, as well as the impact of cuts to support staff and the general state of the NHS in Norfolk.
Goldsborough committed to regular meetings with branch officers to keep up to date with the challenges faced by Norfolk NHS staff.
In April, officers from Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust, Norfolk Community Health, and East of England Ambulance branches met Clive Lewis, MP for South Norwich.
Lewis committed to work with them to write directly to health secretary Wes Streeting to raise workers’ concerns and support NHS staff in Norfolk however he could.
Officers hope to arrange some on-site visits with Clive soon.
UNISON Norfolk Community Health branch secretary Lesley Luscher said: “After years of underfunding, the NHS is in a dangerous state. We need real action on pay and investment in our services to keep it delivering the first-class care that patients deserve.
“It’s been great to see Norfolk MPs engage with healthcare staff and hear UNISON members’ concerns about the future. With members meeting MPs across the country, we can start to put real pressure on the government for proper funding.”
Right now UNISON members across the country are having their say on NHS pay by voting in the online consultation – if you haven’t responded yet find out more about the issue and how to make sure your voice heard here.