An overwhelming 72% of Royal College of Nursing (RCN) members working in the NHS in Wales who took part in the consultation voted to reject the Welsh government's proposed 5.5% pay increase for 2024/25.
The number of members that took part in the consultation reached the same levels as those seen in the successful 2022 industrial action ballot in Wales and the turnout in the recent consultation on the NHS pay award in England.
The First Minister announced this pay award in September, with the 5.5% increase expected to be paid in November salaries. However, this result demonstrates that RCN Wales members decisively believe this award does not recognise the value, expertise, and critical responsibility held by nursing staff in Wales.
Helen Whyley, RCN Wales Executive Director, said: “Our members have spoken loudly and clearly: nursing staff in Wales know their worth. After years of underpayment, this award fails to match the safety-critical nature of their work and the extensive skills they bring to the NHS.
“With the NHS in Wales in a fragile state, it is imperative that the Welsh government commits to valuing nursing staff to strengthen recruitment and retention, which will, in turn, improve patient care.
“The RCN calls on the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care to engage in urgent talks toward pay restoration to address the historical underpayment faced by nurses in Wales. We urge the Welsh government to recognise that fair pay is essential to sustaining this essential workforce".
ENDS
Notes to Editors
RCN members working in the NHS in Wales on Agenda for Change contracts were invited to vote whether they accept or reject the Welsh government’s 5.5% pay award in a consultation that took place between 25 September and 25 October 2024. Since this is an award, not an offer, the results of our consultation won’t directly affect employer payment of it, and it is expected to be paid in November’s salaries, backdated to 1 April 2024.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world with over half a million members in the UK, including around 30,500 members in Wales.
For more information, contact the RCN Wales communications and media team on 02920 680 769 or mediawales@rcn.org.uk
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