The GMB union has officially called upon the NHS Pay Review Body (PRB) to ensure that pay awards for National Health Service (NHS) workers are decided independently from government influence. In a letter to the PRB, GMB emphasized the necessity of a pay recommendation for the 2025/26 period that genuinely acknowledges and compensates healthcare workers for their dedicated service. The PRB, charged with reviewing evidence from various stakeholders before making pay recommendations, is being urged to consider all presented information rather than solely the government’s affordability constraints.
The Push for Independent Pay Recommendations
GMB’s Emphasis on Genuine Compensation
GMB has recommended an above-inflation wage increase, highlighting that after 14 years of pay freezes and below-inflation raises, the value of NHS pay alongside the morale of workers has been significantly compromised. The union argues that the government’s proposal, allowing only a 2.8% pay rise, is grossly inadequate. This increment, they assert, will be further undermined when allocated to cover prior agreements, thus failing to address the financial hardships faced by the workers. In contrast, GMB is advocating for this wage award to exceed the Retail Price Index across all pay bands under the NHS’s Agenda for Change system.
The union further proposes that band 2 workers, among the lowest-paid within the NHS, should receive a minimum hourly rate of £15. They emphasize the importance of adjusting pay differentials in the higher bands accordingly to ensure fairness and equity. Such steps, GMB believes, are necessary to restore the value of NHS pay and improve the financial well-being and morale of the workforce. This recommendation reflects the union’s commitment to adequately compensating NHS workers for their invaluable contributions, especially in light of the challenging circumstances they have endured over the years.
Addressing Government’s Proposed Increase
Rachel Harrison, the GMB national secretary, has critically noted that the government’s proposed 2.8% increase is insufficient, particularly in light of the ongoing economic pressures faced by NHS workers. Many lower-paid NHS workers, she pointed out, will require a pay rise in April just to remain above the national minimum wage, which significantly diminishes the real value of the proposed pay raise. This reduction in real pay, she argues, fails to reflect the dedication and immense contribution made by these workers, who have been the backbone of the NHS, especially during the recent health crises.
Harrison underscored the need for fair compensation that genuinely reflects the efforts and contributions of NHS workers. Drawing attention to the government’s current stance, she emphasized that a substantial and meaningful increase in wages is necessary to address years of financial neglect and to improve the overall morale within the NHS workforce. Such measures are vital to ensure that NHS workers are not only fairly compensated but also motivated and appreciated for their relentless service.
The Fight for Fair Compensation
Restoring Lost Earnings and Conditions
GMB also calls for a commitment to restore lost earnings and conditions, spotlighting the long-term impact of years of inadequate pay increases on NHS workers. The union argues that to truly improve the financial well-being of these workers, it is essential to address the cumulative effect of 14 years of pay freezes and below-inflation raises. This, they believe, can be achieved through a pay recommendation that takes into account the actual cost of living and the value that NHS workers bring to the healthcare system.
Moreover, GMB is set to present this strong case to the PRB in person on January 21, 2025, hoping that a face-to-face discussion will help underscore the significance of their concerns. By advocating for an independent PRB, GMB seeks to ensure that the pay review process genuinely benefits NHS workers, recognizing their efforts and improving their financial conditions. The union’s robust stance represents a determined effort to secure fair and equitable compensation for all NHS employees.
Upcoming Advocacy Efforts
The GMB union has formally called on the NHS Pay Review Body (PRB) to ensure that pay decisions for NHS workers are made independently of government influence. In a letter penned to the PRB, the GMB stressed the importance of a pay recommendation for the 2025/26 period that truly reflects the hard work and dedication of healthcare workers. The PRB, which is responsible for reviewing evidence from multiple stakeholders before making pay recommendations, is being urged to consider all the information presented and not focus solely on what the government deems affordable.
GMB’s appeal highlights the critical role of healthcare workers and the need for their compensation to mirror their contributions. Additionally, by emphasizing the need for independence in the PRB’s decision-making process, the GMB aims to ensure that NHS staff receive fair and just pay increases, taking into account various factors impacting their roles. This push for an independent review underscores the broader demand for recognition and fair treatment of NHS workers who play an essential role in public health and safety.
