01/12/2021

Health And Social Care Workers To Receive 3% Pay Increase

All Agenda for Change staff working in Health and Social Care are to receive a 3% pay increase, Health Minister Robin Swann has confirmed.

The pay rise will be backdated to 01 April 2021.

Mr Swann said: "I want to once again place on record my gratitude and admiration to all who work in our health and social care system.

"So many staff have worked extremely long hours under enormous pressure during the pandemic.

"Any additional non-consolidated award will need to be approved by the Department of Finance.

"Like all my Executive colleagues, I have to operate within budgetary constraints set by the Treasury.

"While there are many conflicting demands on health spending, I am clear that properly rewarding staff is an important priority."

Rita Devlin, Director of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in Northern Ireland said: "While this pay award falls far below what RCN members believe is fair, we are relieved to finally receive it and to retain pay parity with colleagues in England and Wales.

"With health and social care services facing massive waiting lists and pressures, investing in the workforce is the only way to retain the experienced nursing staff none of us can afford to lose. Just this week we have seen the outcomings of highly skilled nurses leaving the service due to the enormous pressure they are currently under.

"As has already happened in Scotland, England and Wales, we will now consult our members on the next steps forward. This will be their opportunity to speak up for their patients and outline the impact of such a meagre pay award on them and where they work."

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