In response to the health secretary’s letter to the NHS Pay Review Body commencing the pay round for 2025/26, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger said:
"The same way of working produces the same outcome - one that nursing staff have just said was inadequate. The government must show nurses their voices have been heard and that the way to set their pay is always fair.
“Our members need to see change – a significant reset in pay that demonstrates their value. In setting limits on the budget available for NHS pay, the government is attempting to override the independence of the PRB process once again.
“Shortly after the election, ministers rightly pledged to restore confidence in the PRB. Today, the language of austerity and cost cutting is being used to undermine it. It is not acceptable that our members will receive a delayed pay rise for another consecutive year. Nursing staff want to be part of the solution. They will be alarmed by this latest development and our participation cannot now be guaranteed.”
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