RCM welcomes Labour Party NHS pay and staff commitments
By RCM on 26 April 2017 NHS Staff Midwives Labour Party MSWs - Maternity Support Workers Pay and Agenda For Change
Today (22.00 Tuesday, 25th April, 2017) the Labour Party announced a three point election guarantee for NHS staff to be outlined tomorrow in a speech by Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary. These include pay increased to a sustainable level which reflects the complexity of the work carried out; safe staffing levels put into law; reintroduce bursaries for student midwives and nurses.
Jon Skewes, Director for Policy, Employment Relations and Communications at the Royal College of Midwives, said: “These are very welcome commitments from the Labour Party. They recognise the effort, determination and commitment on the part of our hardworking midwives and other NHS staff to deliver the safest and best possible care for those using the NHS.
“This announcement also shows recognition of the folly and short-sightedness of scrapping bursaries for student midwives, nurses and related professions.
“We would now want to see all parties making similar commitments to pay NHS staff fairly and staff and resource our NHS so that is can meet the demands being placed on it.
“However, it is always easy to promise the world in opposition and when campaigning in an election. Whoever is in power after the next election needs to invest in the NHS and invest in its staff.”
To contact the RCM Press Office call 020 7312 3456, or email pressofficer@rcm.org.uk.
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The RCM is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website at https://www.rcm.org.uk/.