I am incredibly proud of the NHS and the Isle of Wight NHS Trust. As the Island’s MP I have been in regular contact with the Trust to discuss pandemic-related issues. I have seen how both the Trust and NHS workers have made an extraordinary contribution during this time. Some have raised the issue of a pay rise to recognise this contribution.
I agree that NHS workers should see a pay rise, and we owe them much gratitude. Over one million NHS workers will receive a 6.5 per cent or greater pay rise over three years to 2021, and those on lower pay bands even more. This deal was agreed with NHS unions and applies to all staff on the Agenda for Change pay scale. The deal has been provided using new funds – not those which have been relocated within the NHS. Workers including nurses, midwives, call handlers, security guards, cleaners and many more will all benefit.
As outlined, the deal is structured so that the lowest salaries see higher proportionate pay rises. Around half of the one million NHS workers receiving a pay rise will receive more than 6.5 per cent. In fact, many nurses and healthcare assistants will see a pay increase of at least 25%. In practice, for example, the lowest-paid workers in the NHS are seeing their salary increase from £15,404 to £18,005 in 2020/2021 and newly qualified nurses are seeing an increase of almost £3000 to 2020/21.
