Unison has started to balloting members over the proposed NHS pay deal.
Unison has started to ask its members in England if the union should accept the first “significant pay rise” in 7 years.
All healthcare unions involved in the negotiations, with the exception of GMB, have recommended their members accept the pay deal. However, many have raised concerns over a further sub-inflation rise, changes to unsociable hours payments for ambulance and support staff, removal of agenda for change sick enhancements and changes to the incrementation system.
Can I vote? To be eligible to vote you must hold an active Unison membership and be employed by an NHS trust in England.
Should I vote? Absolutely, a union is only as powerful as its membership. This is a democratic process that involves you and your future.
How should I vote? We cannot tell you how you should vote, you should weigh up your individual circumstances. You can take a look at the proposed Agenda for Change pay scales or use the pay calculator to find out the effect the rise would have on your salary. But, we encourage you to do your own research.
How to vote: Eligible members can vote here.
It says I am not eligible. You should contact Unison directly on 0800 0857857 as soon as possible.
Sara Gorton, UNISON head of health, said about the proposed pay deal: “Seven years of pay freezes and wage increases well below the cost of living have meant significant financial hardship for health staff and their families. It’s also created headaches for employers as they struggled to attract new recruits and hold onto experienced staff.
“The agreement means an end at last to the government’s self-defeating and unfair one per cent pay cap. It won’t solve every problem in the NHS, but would go a long way towards making dedicated health staff feel more valued, lift flagging morale, and help turn the tide on employers’ staffing problems.
“If health workers accept the offer, everyone’s wages will go further, and the lowest paid would get a significant income boost. Starting salaries for nurses, midwives and other health professionals would also become more attractive to people considering a career in the NHS.”