Remove pay cap for NHS staff says RCM on inflation rise

By RCM on 13 June 2017 NHS Pay Review Body Pay and Agenda For Change

Today data published by the Office for National Statistics showed an increase in the Inflation Rate to 2.9%. Commenting, Jon Skewes, Royal College of Midwives Director of Policy, Employment Relations and Communications said:  “This rise will be yet another blow to hard-working midwives and other NHS staff who have suffered years of pay freezes and pay restraint, many of whom are now many thousands of pounds worse off because of this.

“It outlines even more why this Government need to remove the 1% pay cap they have imposed on NHS staff, so that we can see our midwives rewarded fairly for the work they do.

 “It's not good enough though just to discontinue the 1% pay policy for the NHS . Improved pay must be funded, increases will need to exceed inflation and the NHS Pay Review Body will need to be enabled to deal with the catch up.”

To contact the RCM Press Office call 020 7312 3456, or email pressofficer@rcm.org.uk.

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Notes to editors

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/.