Nurses ‘working one day a week for free’, research into pay reveals
Friday 28 October 2022
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Dr Gavan Conlon, who oversaw the research, said bringing in staff from overseas costs approximately £16,900 more annually than retaining a nurse, while using agency workers is around £21,300 more per year.
Around 32,000 nurses are quitting the NHS per year at least in part because of the erosion of living standards, leaving tens of thousands of vacancies, he said.
NHS waiting lists have, in turn, been one of the main factors driving economic inactivity, with 700,000 individuals leaving the workforce since the beginning of the pandemic.
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“The high costs of staff turnover suggest that staff retention is a cost-effective policy for the NHS,” Dr Conlon said.
He said the research suggested “the economy is on its knees and will never get off its knees until we pay nurses more”.
Experienced nurses across England, Wales and Northern Ireland would need to receive a nominal pay rise of 45% by 2024-25 to restore their real-terms salaries to 2010-2011 levels, according to the research.
The RCN is currently balloting on strike action, with around 300,000 members being asked if they are prepared to walk out.
47,000
Unfilled nursing jobs in England
Polling of more than 1,700 members of the public for the RCN shows 46% say they have avoided using NHS services in the last 12 months, citing long waits (50%) and the level of pressure on the NHS (42%) as main worries.
The London Economics research looked at the pay of workers under the Agenda for Change contract.
Figures looked at by the RCN show there are a record 47,000 unfilled registered nurse posts in England alone.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "We are giving over one million NHS workers a pay rise of at least £1,400 this year, as recommended by the independent NHS Pay Review Body, on top of 3% last year when pay was frozen in the wider public sector. Industrial action is a matter for unions, and we urge them to carefully consider the potential impacts on patients."
Friday 28 October 2022
Staff on a hospital ward. Credit: PA
Nurses work the equivalent of one day a week for free, according to a new analysis of pay.
Researchers from London Economics, commissioned by the Royal College of Nursing, looked at pay in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland since 2010.
They found that in real terms, based on a five-day week, the salary of an experienced nurse has fallen by 20%.
A pay rise would help save the NHS money because of how expensive it is to hire staff internationally, which is currently the main recruitment method adopted by the government, according to the analysis.
Nurses work the equivalent of one day a week for free, according to a new analysis of pay.
Researchers from London Economics, commissioned by the Royal College of Nursing, looked at pay in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland since 2010.
They found that in real terms, based on a five-day week, the salary of an experienced nurse has fallen by 20%.
A pay rise would help save the NHS money because of how expensive it is to hire staff internationally, which is currently the main recruitment method adopted by the government, according to the analysis.
Pregnant asylum seekers face 'dehumanising' conditions that 'risk babies lives'
GPs sound the alarm over ‘over-the-counter, unregulated blood tests’
Dr Gavan Conlon, who oversaw the research, said bringing in staff from overseas costs approximately £16,900 more annually than retaining a nurse, while using agency workers is around £21,300 more per year.
Around 32,000 nurses are quitting the NHS per year at least in part because of the erosion of living standards, leaving tens of thousands of vacancies, he said.
NHS waiting lists have, in turn, been one of the main factors driving economic inactivity, with 700,000 individuals leaving the workforce since the beginning of the pandemic.
Government urged to back campaign for paid miscarriage leave
“The high costs of staff turnover suggest that staff retention is a cost-effective policy for the NHS,” Dr Conlon said.
He said the research suggested “the economy is on its knees and will never get off its knees until we pay nurses more”.
Experienced nurses across England, Wales and Northern Ireland would need to receive a nominal pay rise of 45% by 2024-25 to restore their real-terms salaries to 2010-2011 levels, according to the research.
The RCN is currently balloting on strike action, with around 300,000 members being asked if they are prepared to walk out.
The union is arguing for higher pay and immediate action to tackle hundreds of thousands of nursing vacancies across the country.
RCN general secretary Pat Cullen has said the government’s offer of a 3% wage rise “makes a difference to a nurse’s wage of 72p an hour”.
But former health secretary Therese Coffey said she is confident nurses will not get a higher pay offer.
RCN general secretary Pat Cullen has said the government’s offer of a 3% wage rise “makes a difference to a nurse’s wage of 72p an hour”.
But former health secretary Therese Coffey said she is confident nurses will not get a higher pay offer.
Former health minister Therese Coffey has hinted there won't be much more money on the table
Credit: PA
Midwives are also being urged to vote in favour of strike action in a ballot that starts on November 11 for a period of four weeks.
Health workers in other trade unions are also being balloted for industrial action over pay.
Unison is asking 350,000 NHS staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, including porters, nurses, paramedics and cleaners, to vote in favour of walking out.
A ballot of its 50,000 members in Scotland, which was already under way, has been suspended after a new pay offer.
Midwives are also being urged to vote in favour of strike action in a ballot that starts on November 11 for a period of four weeks.
Health workers in other trade unions are also being balloted for industrial action over pay.
Unison is asking 350,000 NHS staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, including porters, nurses, paramedics and cleaners, to vote in favour of walking out.
A ballot of its 50,000 members in Scotland, which was already under way, has been suspended after a new pay offer.
Credit: PA
Mrs Cullen added: “This exploitation of nursing staff cannot be tolerated any longer.
“In the pandemic, the politicians urged the public to clap for carers, but now they are wilfully ignoring nursing’s astonishing efforts and expertise.
“Ministers have stubbornly resisted the requirement to address the workforce crisis, including paying nursing fairly, instead rejecting any opportunity to act. They have taken advantage of nursing’s goodwill and steadfast determination to act in the interests of their patients.
“Our members have had enough. Expecting nursing staff to work one day a week for free is totally unacceptable.
“Patients deserve better from their politicians. Despite nursing staff working increasingly long hours and doing all they can, safe and effective care is being undermined by the failure of governments to act.”
Mrs Cullen added: “This exploitation of nursing staff cannot be tolerated any longer.
“In the pandemic, the politicians urged the public to clap for carers, but now they are wilfully ignoring nursing’s astonishing efforts and expertise.
“Ministers have stubbornly resisted the requirement to address the workforce crisis, including paying nursing fairly, instead rejecting any opportunity to act. They have taken advantage of nursing’s goodwill and steadfast determination to act in the interests of their patients.
“Our members have had enough. Expecting nursing staff to work one day a week for free is totally unacceptable.
“Patients deserve better from their politicians. Despite nursing staff working increasingly long hours and doing all they can, safe and effective care is being undermined by the failure of governments to act.”
47,000
Unfilled nursing jobs in England
Polling of more than 1,700 members of the public for the RCN shows 46% say they have avoided using NHS services in the last 12 months, citing long waits (50%) and the level of pressure on the NHS (42%) as main worries.
The London Economics research looked at the pay of workers under the Agenda for Change contract.
Figures looked at by the RCN show there are a record 47,000 unfilled registered nurse posts in England alone.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "We are giving over one million NHS workers a pay rise of at least £1,400 this year, as recommended by the independent NHS Pay Review Body, on top of 3% last year when pay was frozen in the wider public sector. Industrial action is a matter for unions, and we urge them to carefully consider the potential impacts on patients."
'You need to try harder': Patient tells Sunak he needs to fix NHS workers pay
Friday 28 October 2022
Rishi Sunak wasn't let off lightly on his first trip to a hospital since becoming PM,
ITV News Political Correspondent Libby Wiener asked the PM "Why do you think it is more important to stay here and supervise the work of the chancellor rather than go to COP27?"
The government’s environmental credentials were also being questioned after admitting it would miss the deadline to set flagship targets on cleaning up Britain’s waters and boosting biodiversity.
Conservative former culture secretary Nadine Dorries said Mr Sunak is “wrong” not to attend the Sharm El-Sheikh summit, saying global heating is the “biggest crisis facing our planet”. She joined activists and opposition parties in criticising the move, with shadow climate change secretary Ed Miliband accusing Mr Sunak of a “massive failure of leadership”.
But Mr Sunak insisted it is “right” for him to instead focus on the UK economy in talks with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt ahead of their autumn budget on November 17.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to a south London hospital, the prime minister said: “The leadership that we have shown on the climate is unmatched almost along the world.
“It’s important to me that, as prime minister, we leave behind an environment that is better for our children and grandchildren. I’m very passionate about that. I’m very personally committed to it.
“I just think, at the moment, it’s right that I’m also focusing on the depressing domestic challenges we have with the economy.
“I think that’s what people watching would reasonably expect me to be doing as well.”
Friday 28 October 2022
Rishi Sunak wasn't let off lightly on his first trip to a hospital since becoming PM,
Libby Wiener reports
Rishi Sunak was told he "was not trying" and needed "to try harder" to help support NHS staff by a patient while on his first official visit to a hospital as PM.
When 77-year-old Catherine Poole challenged the prime minister on NHS pay, stating that it was "a pity you don't pay them more," Mr Sunak said he was "trying" to address the issue.
Mr Sunak, wearing a mask as he toured the hospital, said his government was trying. He went on to say that the NHS was important.
“Yes, and look after it,” Ms Poole told him.
Rishi Sunak was told he "was not trying" and needed "to try harder" to help support NHS staff by a patient while on his first official visit to a hospital as PM.
When 77-year-old Catherine Poole challenged the prime minister on NHS pay, stating that it was "a pity you don't pay them more," Mr Sunak said he was "trying" to address the issue.
Mr Sunak, wearing a mask as he toured the hospital, said his government was trying. He went on to say that the NHS was important.
“Yes, and look after it,” Ms Poole told him.
Rishi Sunak speaks with patient Sreeja Gopalan during a visit to Croydon University Hospital
Credit: PA
Asked by broadcasters later if he was happy that nurses are not getting a real-term increase in pay, he said: “It is brilliant to be here at Croydon Hospital, to see the great work of the doctors and nurses here.
“One of the priorities for my government is going to be tackling the Covid backlogs and supporting the NHS.
“We face lots of challenges as a country, but I am confident that we can fix the economy and deliver on the promise of the 2019 manifesto, including having a stronger NHS.”
The RCN is currently balloting on strike action, with around 300,000 members being asked if they are prepared to walk out.
The union is arguing for higher pay and immediate action to tackle hundreds of thousands of nursing vacancies across the country
Asked by broadcasters later if he was happy that nurses are not getting a real-term increase in pay, he said: “It is brilliant to be here at Croydon Hospital, to see the great work of the doctors and nurses here.
“One of the priorities for my government is going to be tackling the Covid backlogs and supporting the NHS.
“We face lots of challenges as a country, but I am confident that we can fix the economy and deliver on the promise of the 2019 manifesto, including having a stronger NHS.”
The RCN is currently balloting on strike action, with around 300,000 members being asked if they are prepared to walk out.
The union is arguing for higher pay and immediate action to tackle hundreds of thousands of nursing vacancies across the country
.
The PM commending nurses at Croydon University Hospital for their hard work.
Credit: ITV News
The exchange came just after Mr Sunak ditched a Tory leadership campaign pledge to fine patients who miss GP and hospital appointments £10.
The newly-appointed PM backtracked on the plan he outlined in his first attempt at leading the country this year after it was widely criticised by health leaders.
He had argued it was “not right” that some patients were failing to turn up and “taking those slots away from people who need” them.
Among the critics, the British Medical Association (BMA) said the plans would “make matters worse” and threaten the principle of free NHS care at the point of need.
But on Friday, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: “The PM wants to deliver a stronger NHS and the sentiment remains that people should not be missing their appointments and taking up NHS time.
“But we have listened to GPs and health leaders and have acknowledged that now is not the right time to take this policy forward.”
His visit comes after insisting he must focus on the “depressing domestic challenges” ahead of attending the COP27 climate summit in Egypt after he was accused of a “failure of leadership”.
The prime minister insisted he is “personally committed” to tackling the climate crisis after he pulled out of the United Nations conference next month that Liz Truss was due to attend.
The exchange came just after Mr Sunak ditched a Tory leadership campaign pledge to fine patients who miss GP and hospital appointments £10.
The newly-appointed PM backtracked on the plan he outlined in his first attempt at leading the country this year after it was widely criticised by health leaders.
He had argued it was “not right” that some patients were failing to turn up and “taking those slots away from people who need” them.
Among the critics, the British Medical Association (BMA) said the plans would “make matters worse” and threaten the principle of free NHS care at the point of need.
But on Friday, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: “The PM wants to deliver a stronger NHS and the sentiment remains that people should not be missing their appointments and taking up NHS time.
“But we have listened to GPs and health leaders and have acknowledged that now is not the right time to take this policy forward.”
His visit comes after insisting he must focus on the “depressing domestic challenges” ahead of attending the COP27 climate summit in Egypt after he was accused of a “failure of leadership”.
The prime minister insisted he is “personally committed” to tackling the climate crisis after he pulled out of the United Nations conference next month that Liz Truss was due to attend.
ITV News Political Correspondent Libby Wiener asked the PM "Why do you think it is more important to stay here and supervise the work of the chancellor rather than go to COP27?"
The government’s environmental credentials were also being questioned after admitting it would miss the deadline to set flagship targets on cleaning up Britain’s waters and boosting biodiversity.
Conservative former culture secretary Nadine Dorries said Mr Sunak is “wrong” not to attend the Sharm El-Sheikh summit, saying global heating is the “biggest crisis facing our planet”. She joined activists and opposition parties in criticising the move, with shadow climate change secretary Ed Miliband accusing Mr Sunak of a “massive failure of leadership”.
But Mr Sunak insisted it is “right” for him to instead focus on the UK economy in talks with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt ahead of their autumn budget on November 17.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to a south London hospital, the prime minister said: “The leadership that we have shown on the climate is unmatched almost along the world.
“It’s important to me that, as prime minister, we leave behind an environment that is better for our children and grandchildren. I’m very passionate about that. I’m very personally committed to it.
“I just think, at the moment, it’s right that I’m also focusing on the depressing domestic challenges we have with the economy.
“I think that’s what people watching would reasonably expect me to be doing as well.”
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