After months of strikes, most workers on Britain’s public health system, the NHS, have settled a pay dispute with the government. More than a million workers are expected to receive a five percent pay rise this year and a one-off payment of at least £1,250 (about €1,420), British news agency PA reported today.
Well below the inflation rate
Inflation in Britain has recently dropped slightly. However, consumer prices have recently increased by more than ten percent compared to the same month last year. Health Secretary Steve Barclay spoke of a “good day for the health service, a good day for the workers and a good day for the patients”.
In recent months, strikes have repeatedly meant that many consultations and surgeries in the chronically underfunded health system have had to be postponed and waiting lists have grown longer.
Most unions in the sector voted in favor of the agreement. Therefore, further strikes cannot be completely ruled out. The agreement for this and next year affects nurses and other professions in the health service – with the exception of doctors.