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NHS Staff Pay
08 March 2021
Lead MP
Helen Whately
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
NHSEmployment
Other Contributors: 30
At a Glance
Helen Whately raised concerns about nhs staff pay in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The Minister acknowledged the immense strain placed on the NHS workforce during the pandemic, highlighting their exceptional performance despite economic challenges. She announced a continued commitment to providing pay rises for NHS staff, with over one million workers benefiting from a multi-year deal including a 12% rise for newly qualified nurses. The statement also detailed a £6.2 billion increase in funding for 2021-22 and an additional £34 billion by 2024-25, aimed at reducing waiting lists and supporting recovery efforts. Over the past year, there has been a significant rise in NHS staff numbers, including over 6,500 more doctors, almost 10,600 more nurses, and over 18,700 health support workers. The Minister submitted evidence to the independent NHS pay review bodies for consideration, noting that their recommendations would be made available later in spring.
Question
The shadow Secretary of State questioned why the Secretary of State was not present to defend the Budget which he argued unfairly impacts NHS staff and hard-working families. He criticised inconsistencies between previous statements on nurse pay and current policy, highlighting a discrepancy in funding from last year's long-term plan to the current budget.
Minister reply
The Minister responded by noting the economic context of reduced public sector salaries due to job losses and reduced working hours during the pandemic. She affirmed that NHS staff will receive a pay rise despite these constraints.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
Godalming and Ash
Question
Asked about funding gaps identified by the OBR for future annual vaccinations, Test and Trace programmes, long covid care, and delayed operations, Mr. Hunt inquired into specific discussions with the Chancellor regarding these costs.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledged the £22 billion set aside outside of NHS budgets to cover ongoing and future pandemic-related costs, including £3 billion for recovery initiatives.
Question
Expressed concern that a 1% pay rise may not be sufficient given current workforce challenges, noting existing pay disparities between regions and the impact of tuition fees on new nurses. She urged for a more substantial increase or additional one-off payments.
Minister reply
The Minister pointed out the financial burden of providing a significant pay raise amidst economic difficulties caused by job losses and reduced incomes across various sectors.
Question
Asked if acknowledging NHS staff as an exception to the public sector salary freeze was meant to recognise their efforts during the pandemic, he suggested waiting for independent review body recommendations.
Minister reply
The Minister agreed that NHS staff are exceptions due to their crucial contributions and affirmed the importance of awaiting pay review bodies' advice.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Question
Questioned whether the Government's claim of affordability for a 1% pay offer was credible, particularly given increased Test and Trace programme costs.
Minister reply
The Minister defended the significant funding for testing and tracing as necessary during the pandemic while acknowledging the difficult financial situation.
Question
Asked how NHS staff pay rises compared to equivalent grades in other public services under a pay freeze.
Minister reply
The Minister explained that despite economic challenges, NHS staff were receiving a raise as an exception due to the critical role they play during these times.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
I have received hundreds of emails from constituents and the Royal College of Nursing supporting a fair wage increase for NHS staff. Since 2010, average weekly pay in the private sector has grown by 22%, compared with only 17% in the public sector. I ask the Minister to consider reviewing the decision on NHS pay increases.
Minister reply
The Government have submitted evidence to the Pay Review Body on what we can afford for NHS pay, but the body will review a wide range of evidence and make recommendations over spring.
Question
I urge the Minister to open up discussions with the Treasury to look at additional support for NHS staff during this period while the review body is considering the matter, such as a one-off payment or more rest time.
Minister reply
Beyond pay, we are looking at what continued support we can put in place for the NHS workforce, including practicalities like hot food and drink and mental health support.
Maria Eagle
Lab
Liverpool Garston
Question
How does delivering a real-terms pay cut meet the Secretary of State's promise to reward NHS staff for their work during the pandemic?
Minister reply
We recognise the enormous work that the NHS workforce have done and are exempting them from the wider public sector pay freeze, ensuring they get a pay rise.
Question
Will the Minister wait for and heed the advice of the independent Pay Review Body before confirming the scale of the pay rise that NHS staff can expect?
Minister reply
We have submitted our evidence to the Pay Review Body, which will look at a wide range of evidence. We will take its response into account.
Question
Does the Minister agree that NHS staff are worth a real-terms pay increase? Could billions wasted on ineffective PPE have been better spent on giving our NHS heroes a pay rise?
Minister reply
It is right to invest in ensuring we could supply PPE during this challenging time. As for the next year, we exempt NHS staff from the wider public sector pay freeze and ensure they get the recognition they deserve.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
Can the Minister explain the basis of the Government's proposal for a 1% pay rise, considering the commitments to increase salaries, particularly for nurses at the start of their careers?
Minister reply
We have delivered on the multi-year pay deal for 'Agenda for Change' staff, including nurses. This includes a 12% pay rise for newly qualified nurses.
Question
Does the Minister understand the dismay and despair among tens of thousands of nurses who have endured purgatory to save lives but now face an effective pay cut?
Minister reply
I disagree with the suggestion of a pay cut. However, I agree that staff need time off to rest and recuperate after such difficult times.
Richard Fuller
Con
North Bedfordshire
Question
Will my hon. Friend remind us that it is the Government's job to balance all calls on the taxpayer, including support for businesses hit by the pandemic, and it is the Pay Review Body’s role to come back with a recommendation?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right. We need to support individuals and businesses through this pandemic, while balancing enormous demands on public finances.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Question
Does the Minister realise there is a sense of anger all across the country towards NHS staff being offered a pay cut after saving lives during the crisis? A third are considering leaving unless they get a decent pay rise.
Minister reply
It is probably not helpful to fuel anger by calling a pay rise a pay cut. We are clear that NHS staff are getting a pay rise, and we need an NHS Test and Trace system to control the virus.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
Question
Suggests exploring alternative models for setting NHS staff pay, allowing local trusts to make decisions better suited to employees and services.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the debate on national vs. local pay but notes flexibility in the system for different levels of pay based on area costs.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Question
Questions prioritising test and trace funding over NHS staff real-terms pay rise, given pandemic persistence and staffing challenges.
Minister reply
Highlights reduced leaver rates in the NHS and increased interest in careers, emphasising the need for both test and trace and workforce support.
Question
Asks about specific decision on nurses' pay and total allocation for NHS pay rises in the Budget, prioritising lower bands.
Minister reply
Confirms a 1% pay rise is under consideration for over 1 million staff including 300,000 nurses, noting the cost at £750m.
Question
Asks if a real-terms pay cut is morally and economically appropriate given NHS staff's efforts during the pandemic.
Minister reply
States that a 1% rise is included in their funding envelope, noting inflation and economic constraints are factors.
Question
Requests reconsideration of larger increase for lower-paid NHS workers given current economic debt.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the commitment to ensure at least a £250 pay rise for lower-paid staff in the NHS.
Question
Highlights departures among nurses and low pay issues, urging a conversation on fair compensation across health and social care.
Minister reply
Agrees on workforce retention concerns, noting efforts to attract 50,000 more nurses by the end of Parliament.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham
Question
Critiques pay reductions since 2010 and questions the impact of proposed increases on retention and attraction of high-quality staff.
Minister reply
Emphasises efforts to maintain retention, including mental health support for staff.
Gagan Mohindra
Con
South West Hertfordshire
Question
Asks about expected pay rises through progression by raising pay bands.
Minister reply
Notes 40% of staff are eligible for pay progression, adding to the figure from the review process.
Question
Questions if NHS staff will see a real-terms pay cut as unjust given their efforts and challenges faced by other key workers.
Minister reply
Acknowledges economic uncertainty but highlights exemption of NHS from public sector pay freeze, ensuring a rise.
Kevin Hollinrake
Con
Thirsk and Malton
Question
Suggests a German-style social care premium to increase resources for health and social care.
Minister reply
Agrees on the need to consider the whole system, noting plans for bringing forward social care reform proposals.
Ben Lake
PC
Ceredigion
Question
Highlights reliance on agency staff in Wales and suggests a substantial pay award would help retention and recruitment.
Minister reply
Confirms commitment to NHS workforce increase, noting growth in nursing students and health support workers.
Question
I thank the Minister for her answers and ask for more detail on the process of the pay review body, including how evidence is submitted and who contributes to it.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State sets up the remit through a letter sent in December. We submitted our evidence last week, covering retention, staff levels, and support for the workforce. The Pay Review Body will consider this along with other evidence from NHS, trade unions, etc., and report back in late spring.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
The Government has spent £37 billion on the Serco Test and Trace programme which is not fit for purpose. Additionally, they have spent an extra £10 billion on PPE contracts during a global shortage. How can you justify offering NHS nurses only a £250 pay rise?
Minister reply
The pay conversation involves over 1 million staff including nurses, paramedics, and health support workers, costing around £750 million, not the figure mentioned by the hon. Lady. The Government invested in PPE to protect staff during the pandemic when there was a global shortage, and also invested in a test and trace service that is doing a phenomenal job essential for recovery.
Question
Can you confirm that the Public Sector Pay Review Body can take into account the exceptional service and sacrifice of our nurses and medical staff over this year? Will the Government fund any higher pay rise from new resources without cutting elsewhere?
Minister reply
The NHS workforce has done a phenomenal job through the pandemic. We will consider carefully the recommendations from the Pay Review Body, but we are committed to funding them appropriately.
Shadow Comment
Jon Ashworth
Shadow Comment
The shadow Secretary of State criticised the Government's decision to cut nurses' pay despite previously committing to a real-terms pay increase. He highlighted inconsistencies between the Secretary of State's previous statements and current actions, emphasising that the Budget did not adequately address the issue or provide clarity on future funding for NHS staff. Ashworth stressed that cutting pay could exacerbate staffing shortages during a critical period for the health service, questioning how such cuts would impact vacancy rates amidst ongoing challenges.
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