Responding to the Spring Statement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger, said:  

 

“As clinical professionals, nursing staff are clear that the government’s health mission and plans to shift from treatment to prevention will be undermined by these cuts. Inequality and deprivation are directly linked to poor health. Measures that push vulnerable people into poverty, particularly those with disabilities and long-term conditions, will not only worsen both physical and mental health outcomes but pile more pressure on NHS services, costing more in the long run.  

 

“Today was another missed opportunity for the chancellor to invest in the nursing profession. With no announcement on pay, ministers are on course to miss the 1 April deadline, meaning nursing staff are once again left in the dark and set to receive another late pay award. The government’s aims to reduce demand on services, keep people healthy and boost growth will only be achievable with a well-resourced, fairly paid nursing workforce.” 

 

Ends