NHS workers in the East of England have asked the chancellor to recognise the work they’ve done to protect lives and fund a decent pay rise in tomorrow’s Budget, says UNISON today.
More than 60,000 health care assistants, porters, operating theatre staff, nurses, caterers, ambulance staff, cleaners and members of the public across the UK have signed a letter to Rishi Sunak asking him to properly reward NHS staff for their work before and during the pandemic.
Staff want the chancellor to back a pay rise of at least £2,000 for all NHS workers, many of whom have put their health, wellbeing and personal lives on the line since Covid-19 struck.
In the letter, workers challenge the chancellor to step up and do his bit, as they have. They argue a pay rise would show staff they’re valued, provide a much-needed morale boost for burnt-out workers and tip the balance for the thousands on the brink of leaving the NHS, the union adds.
Dear Chancellor Rishi Sunak,
Our NHS is held together with the hard work and dedication of its staff. This was true long before the pandemic but has never been truer than during this unprecedented crisis.
People working in the NHS have put their health, wellbeing and personal lives on the line to provide the best possible care for our loved ones in incredibly difficult circumstances.
NHS staff have stepped up in every way. Do your bit as chancellor and provide funding in the March budget to give everyone working in our NHS a £2k pay rise, to show they are valued and prevent them from leaving the jobs we need them to do.
It’s time the government gives them the thanks they so deserve, now and for the future.
Signed, NHS staff and members of the public
East of England health workers have described the intense pressure of work during the pandemic.
One, who was just 16 when she started as a domestic last year, has seen many people die around her and had to do tough shifts in full PPE.
She says a pay rise would help her family after she and her colleagues have put their lives on the line.
Another says she’s been moved tears more than once every day and the pandemic is affecting her mental health. She tells the chancellor a pay rise would make her feel more valued.
UNISON Eastern head of health Sasha Savage said: “Health workers have been battling the pandemic for a year. That’s a year of incredibly long-hours, heightened anxiety around the safety of family and friends, and fears about catching the virus.
“All while carrying out demanding roles and dealing with the trauma of many thousands of deaths.
“They’re giving their all to keep us safe. On Wednesday the chancellor can and should give something back to them on behalf of the nation.
“Rishi Sunak must do the right thing and back up words of praise with concrete actions by funding a pay rise of at least £2,000 for all NHS staff.”
