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Nurses in Wales are feeling the pinch as their pay remains stagnant and falls behind that of other public sector workers, a union has reported. Despite being offered a 3.6% pay increase for the current financial year, nurses are dissatisfied with the offer compared to other NHS staff such as doctors and dentists. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Wales is considering the possibility of nurses going back on strike, questioning whether they have the resilience to take such action.
Health Secretary Jeremy Miles of Wales commended the exceptional care provided by nurses and expressed gratitude for their invaluable services. The Welsh government has endorsed the recommendations put forth by the independent NHS pay review body, ensuring that staff will receive the pay rise and back pay without delay. This includes a 4% pay raise for doctors and dentists and an average increase of 5.4% for resident doctors.
Nicky Hughes, associate director of nursing for RCN Wales, emphasized the importance of equal pay across all professions within the public sector. She highlighted the disparity in pay for nurses compared to other professions, which she believes demonstrates a lack of respect for the nursing profession. With the cost of living crisis and inflation hovering around 3.5%, the 3.6% pay increase for nurses is deemed insufficient by Hughes, especially considering that some nurses are resorting to food banks to make ends meet.
The ongoing shortage of nurses in Wales, with approximately 2,000 vacancies out of a total workforce of around 40,000, further complicates the situation. Despite nurses’ efforts in reducing NHS waiting lists and achieving significant milestones in patient care, including a significant drop in the number of patients waiting two years or more for treatment, the pay offer does not adequately reflect their contributions. The RCN Wales will be seeking input from its members regarding the pay offer as nurses face various challenges in demanding better compensation for their tireless efforts
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