CSP Wales joins health trade unions demanding ‘urgent and significant’ NHS pay rise

They walked to the Senedd in Cardiff to deliver a jointly agreed demand that the Welsh Government provide an urgent and significant pay rise to all NHS staff in Wales.

The trade unions in Wales have called on the newly re-elected Welsh Government to reward all NHS staff for their endless dedication and extreme hard work that has pushed many staff to burnout over the past year. All whilst maintaining professionalism and high quality care. 

Increase the pressure

Whilst we are awaiting the pay review body announcement, it is important that we increase the pressure on Welsh ministers to provide a pay rise that is urgent and significant, regardless of the budget that comes from Westminster.

Adam Morgan, CSP senior negotiating officer for Wales, said: ‘Our members in Wales have been key in the response to Covid-19.

'They have worked harder and longer, had their roles changed and lost their work and rehab spaces. They have risen to every challenge the pandemic has thrown up.

'Furthermore, waiting lists and demand for rehabilitation and Covid-19 recovery has been stored up and members will be expected to continue to work harder to address the backlog.

Recognised and valued

‘That is why we have a joint ask in Wales, that the Welsh Government honour all NHS staff with an urgent and significant pay rise. This will help our members feel recognised and valued and significantly benefit their wellbeing.’

Joint letter from unions

The joint letter was co-signed by the CSP, along with eight other unions who represent the health service workforce.

It calls on the Welsh Government to give NHS staff an urgent, significant and well-earned pay rise.

As well as CSP, the letter has received backing from the Royal College of Nursing, the Royal College of Midwives, GMB, Unite, Unison, the BMA, the British Association of Occupation Therapists and the Society of Radiographers.

South East Coast stands up for fair pay

Elsewhere, a joint unions NHS pay demo was held simultaneously across four hospitals in University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust today.  CSP members were well represented alongside other health professionals, with physios taking part at St Edwards Hospital, Chichester, Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath, Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and Worthing Hospital.

The demonstrations attracted plenty of attention from passers by who were both curious about the demonstration and shocked at the one per cent currently proposed by the government.

Speaking at the Haywards Heath demo, senior physiotherapist James Nixon said:

We found the pandemic extremely challenging and physios have been fundamental treating patients and it’s an insult that we are only valued at one per cent. After the year we’ve had we thought we would be recognised and valued, not just by applause but by cash in our pockets to help address the real term pay cut many of us have seen over the last decade