Nurses consulted on Johnson's pay concession

Nurses consulted on pay award

Monday, 13, Aug 2007 12:00

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has opened a consultation with members over the government's latest pay offer.

The RCN's ruling body, the RCN Council, is seeking views from all of its NHS members in England over the government's new offer for nurses.

Former health secretary Patricia Hewitt insisted there was "no room for negotiation" but Alan Johnson has been prepared to strike a more accommodating approach.

General secretary of the RCN, Dr Peter Carter, said: "The government's original offer was unfair and unacceptable. For the first time in our history, the RCN responded by holding a national ballot about industrial action.

"After months of the government saying they wouldn't improve the offer, they did. The revised offer is not all that we asked for, but it could well be the means to resolve the current dispute and allow us to make progress on a range of workplace and professional issues.

"It is clear, however, that this is a full and final offer from the government."

The government remains determined that the 2.5 per cent pay deal must be delivered in two stages – sparking fierce criticism from nurses who claim this will devalue the pay rise.

But Mr Johnson earlier this month announced a one-off payment of £38 for the lowest paid nurses as well as financial help to pay for professional fees.

RCN members overwhelmingly rejected the government's initial deal and threatened industrial action in last month's ballot.

The RCN now wants to see whether this latest offer from Mr Johnson has softened opinion.

Nurses are invited to comment through their representative and local council member, as well as through the RCN website.

Mike Travis, chair of the RCN's Membership, Representation and Diversity Committee, said the original ballot demonstrated nurses' anger with the government's pay award.

He continued: "What we now need to do is go back to members and gauge their response to this improved offer before council makes its final decision whether to accept the award in September."

Earlier this month Mr Johnson reiterated his pledge to listen to frontline NHS staff and work with them to improve the health service.

Mr Johnson said: "This offer preserves the tough line on public sector pay which we have had to take this year but I believe that it will help low-paid staff on the first rung of the career ladder, not only through improved pay, but also through help with training."