I support calls for the Government to recognise and reward nurses with a guarantee of a decent pay rise.

NHS staff have been at the heart of the fight against coronavirus, working day and night to protect our NHS and save lives. They do so much to make our health service one to be proud of and they deserve our respect, admiration, and full support.

I share the sense of anger and disappointment felt by many that the Government has recommended a 1% pay increase. With inflation set to rise to this year, it represents a real-terms pay cut for many NHS workers, including nurses, health visitors and clinical staff. Last year, the Health Secretary brought forward legislation to put into law the NHS Long Term Plan. That plan was based on a 2.1% pay rise for all NHS staff, and the Chief Executive of NHS England has recently confirmed that health workers had been in line for a 2.1% pay rise before the pandemic. Notwithstanding this, Ministers are now proposing a real-terms pay cut.

The Royal College of Nursing has criticised the offer and said it undervalues those who have been on the frontline, responding to the pandemic. I agree, so I will continue to make the case for a better deal. The Government should recognise and reward the bravery and sacrifices of all NHS staff with a guarantee of a decent pay rise.

Hilary Benn
MP for Leeds Central