Almost nine out of 10 nurses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have rejected the 3.6% pay award for this year, leading the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) to warn of potential industrial action unless salaries are improved. In an indicative vote among members, 91% said the rise was not enough, with a turnout of 56%.
The RCN has told ministers to use the summer to reach agreement on investment in the nursing workforce or face formal escalation to a dispute and an industrial action ballot. The union described the pay award as insufficient to address widespread vacancies, years of pay erosion, and thwarted career progression.
The rejection adds to the industrial relations challenges facing Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who is already dealing with strikes by resident doctors in England seeking a 29% pay rise. With other unions expressing disquiet over pay, the NHS could face disruption this autumn or winter.
Prof Nicola Ranger, RCN general secretary, said: 'We deliver the vast majority of care in every service and deserve to be valued for all our skill, knowledge and experience. To avoid formal escalation, the government must negotiate on reforms of the outdated pay structure which traps nursing staff at the same band their entire career.'
NHS leaders warned that patients would suffer if nurses strike again. Rory Deighton of the NHS Confederation said: 'Patients are always the ones who end up suffering the most during industrial action.' The Department of Health and Social Care expressed disappointment, noting that new full-time nurses will earn £30,000 in basic pay for the first time this year, but acknowledged it would work with the RCN on pay structure reform and working conditions.
