RCN responds to government decision on Pay Review Body

Published: 03 July 2009

For immediate use: 3rd July 2009
RCN responds to government decision on Pay Review Body

Responding to the written statement from the Secretary of State for Health, Dr. Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said:

"Nurses and healthcare assistants rely on the independence and integrity of the NHS Pay Review Body. It considers evidence on pay impartially, in the current economic climate and makes fair recommendations for pay awards for NHS staff.  This report provides strong evidence for a recruitment and retention premium for junior pharmacists in order to maintain the numbers entering that profession.  In rejecting their recommendation, citing the financial climate as a reason, the Government again challenges the independence of the Review Body.  This must not be allowed to set a precedent. The RCN supports the independent Pay Review Body process and we expect Government to ensure that recommendations are paid in full."

-ends-

Notes to Editors

For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media

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. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses, healthcare assistants and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.