PRB report welcomed

The RCN has welcomed publication of the NHS Pay Review Body’s report which said the third year of a multi-year pay deal will be honoured.

Pay rates will be increased by 2.25 per cent on 1 April. There will be a flat rate increase of £420 for bands one, two and three and other adjustments making the total value 2.5 per cent. 

Josie Irwin, the RCN’s lead negotiator, said:

“We welcome the decision to honour the multi-year deal. This is the result of well prepared evidence and hard talks behind the scenes. 

Fair pay is important in motivating staff and ensuring high quality care. We accepted a risk in agreeing a multi-year deal; at the time the deal was signed, inflation was about to rocket above the agreed pay increase. 

In return, the NHS has had pay certainty and stability. It is important the Government has been fair and stuck to the bargain with the trade unions.

The 2011 pay round will be much more difficult. The RCN is opposed to irresponsible slash and burn cuts and will need to defend members’ jobs and ensure they are appropriately paid.”