Derry nurses on strike in January 2020 over pay parity and safety in hospitals for patients and staff
The SDLP have written to Health Minister Robin Swann following publication of the pay review body recommendations this week.
Said the Foyle MLA: “The health service pay recommendation is derisory, fails to address longstanding workforce and staff retention challenges and it will pose a serious threat to the delivery of core public services.
“Inflation will totally nullify this offer for many nurses and health service staff who have been working themselves to the point of exhaustion for years with little recognition.
“Now they’re being insulted with a proposed increase that will still leave people struggling with the cost of energy, fuel and food.
“There are also serious concerns about the funding source for an appropriate pay award for our health service staff.
“The Department of Health has been clear with the pay review body about its own resource capacity and that any increase must be funded by the Treasury.
“We have written to the Health Minister this week and asked for an urgent written statement to give confidence to health service staff that this will be addressed.”
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