MPs Urge Government Reconsider Cap on Pay for Nurses

MPs have recommended that the government reconsider the cap on pay for Nurses and healthcare workers.

The debate trigged by a petition set up by Registered Nurse and campaigner Danielle Tiplady in October 2016 took place in Westminster today.

The independent pay body review recommended a pay rise above that of the cap previously – a recommendation that was ignored by the government. The autumn statement extended the 1% cap for another year.

You can watch the debate in full here.

The meeting was chaired by Catherine McKinnell the MP for Newcastle upon Tyne North, Labour.

The committee acknowledged the hard work of nurses around the country and concerns were raised regarding a future recruitment crisis. They reiterated that a recruitment and retention crisis is looming and emphasised that the vast majority of nurses work beyond their contracted hours, sometimes unpaid.

NHS cuts were identified as the biggest barrier to lifting the pay freeze. Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary, did not attend the debate.

The Health Select Committee has dispelled the myth of extra NHS funding previously.

Although the committee has no power to make a final decision they have made the clear recommendation that the government review the pay cap of healthcare staff.

It was also implied during the debate that NHS Trusts should look at moving away from the Agenda for Change system.

The MPs deemed that pay restrained was a choice made by the government rather than a necessity.