Wiganers back trade union's call for NHS pay rise

More than 600 Wiganers, including 500 working in the health service, have signed the trade union's letter.

Health care assistants, porters, operating theatre staff, nurses, caterers, ambulance staff, cleaners and members of the public have all called on Mr Sunak to reward NHS staff for their work before and during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Staff want the chancellor to back a pay rise of at least £2,000 for all NHS workers.

Unison says many people in the health service have put their health, wellbeing and personal lives on the line since Covid-19 struck.

The staff argue a pay rise would show employees they are valued, provide a much-needed morale boost for burnt-out workers and tip the balance for the thousands on the brink of leaving the NHS, the union says.

A video accompanying the letter shows staff describing the intense pressure they have been under.

Unison North West head of health James Bull said: "Health workers have been battling the pandemic for a year. That's a year of incredibly long-hours, heightened anxiety around the safety of family and friends, and fears about catching the virus.

"All while carrying out demanding roles and dealing with the trauma of many thousands of deaths.

"They're giving their all to keep us safe. On Wednesday the chancellor can and should give something back to them on behalf of the nation.

“Rishi Sunak must do the right thing and back up words of praise with concrete actions by funding a pay rise of at least £2,000 for all NHS staff."

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