Strike averted as Government ups NHS pay offer by £2.5bn!
Union Hits Pause on Strikes
The government’s fresh £2.5 billion cash injection to boost NHS pay has forced a U-turn from unions. After Health Secretary Steve Barclay negotiated directly with union reps on Thursday, at least one union announced it’s hitting the brakes on strike action.
GMB Cheers Huge Pay Boost for Frontline Staff
GMB has welcomed the offer, calling it a “huge uplift for the lowest paid” workers that pushes their wages well above the Real Living Wage. Rachel Harrison, GMB National Secretary, praised members for their strength in securing the deal.
“Thanks to the strength and hard work of GMB’s NHS members, the government has gone from refusing to talk about pay this year to putting an extra £2.5 billion on the table,” Harrison said.
“GMB members should rightly be proud of themselves. It’s been a tough road but they have faced down the Department of Health and won an offer that we feel is the best that can be achieved at this stage through negotiation.”
What’s Next?
The crucial question remains: will the unions accept the offer? If they do, NHS workers can expect a welcome pay rise – and no new strikes for the foreseeable future. This could be a win for both sides after a bruising pay battle.
