Responding to the Chancellor's cost of living statement, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive, Pat Cullen, said:
“Today’s announcement represents a drop in the ocean for nursing staff struggling with soaring living costs after more than a decade of real-terms pay cuts.
“If ministers are serious about helping nursing staff they would give them a fair pay rise which recognises their skills and professionalism.
“With inflation set to reach 11% later this year, many nursing staff are struggling to feed their families or afford the petrol they need to drive to their patients’ homes, potentially impacting care. That some hospitals have set up staff food banks is an outrageous state of affairs.
“With the NHS Pay Review Body’s recommendation expected to land with ministers within days, this is the time for them to finally recognise nursing’s worth and pay them properly.”
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