Plaid Cymru calls for “fair pay” for healthcare workers “Real term pay decrease cruel blow for hardworking NHS staff” – Rhun ap Iorwerth MS

Plaid Cymru’s health spokesperson Rhun ap Iorwerth MS has said that the NHS pay rise, which does not match inflation is a “cruel blow” for NHS staff, who will have less money in their pocket.

In Senedd debate led by Plaid Cymru today (Wednesday 6 October), Mr ap Iorwerth will also call for “meaningful” action from Welsh Government to address workforce shortages and low morale in the NHS.

The debate, led by Plaid Cymru, proposes that the Senedd:

·       Supports Unite, Unison and the Royal College of Nursing’s efforts to achieve fair pay for all healthcare workers.

·       Calls on the Welsh Government, in its current discussions with the healthcare unions, to commit to a real terms pay rise above that proposed by the NHS pay review body.

Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson for Health and Care, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said,

“Healthcare workers have made huge sacrifices throughout the pandemic, putting themselves in harm’s way to protect patients and even spending days if not weeks away from their families in order to carry out their work. 

“Their reward? A below-inflation pay rise, whilst working flat out to compensate for workforce shortages. It’s now time for the Welsh government to repay that debt by guaranteeing fair pay for all healthcare workers, providing meaningful support to make this an attractive career option for more people, and putting in place a robust retention strategy. 

“Plaid Cymru’s debate in the Senedd is an important step in pushing this vital issue to the top of the political agenda.

“NHS staff deserve a real-terms pay rise above that proposed by the NHS pay review body. Anything less will fall short of giving some of our most critical workers the recognition they have earned during what will have been some of the toughest months of their professional lives.”