In a decisive move, nurses in England have overwhelmingly rejected the government’s proposed 5.5% pay rise, with approximately two-thirds of the 145,000 Royal College of Nursing (RCN) members who voted turning down the deal.

The RCN argues that experienced nurses have suffered a 25% real-term pay cut since 2010 under Conservative governments. Prof Nicola Ranger, RCN General Secretary, emphasized that nurses feel undervalued and overworked, citing concerns over:

– Understaffed shifts
– Poor patient care
– Limited career progression and trapped careers at lowest pay grades

The pay award for 2024-2025, announced by the chancellor in late July following Labour’s general election win, falls short of nurses’ expectations. Prof Ranger stressed that the government needs “safe numbers of nursing staff who feel valued” to successfully reform the National Health Service (NHS).

This announcement comes on the heels of junior doctors accepting a multi-year pay rise, ending their long-standing dispute. Prof Ranger noted, “We do not begrudge doctors their pay rise. What we ask for is the same fair treatment from government.”

As ministers prepare to unveil a new health and social care agenda, the RCN’s rejection of the pay rise offer may impact the success of these reforms. Prof Ranger cautioned that the government will require nurses’ support to:

– Raise standards
– Reform the NHS

The RCN may consider industrial action or further negotiations with the government. The outcome will significantly impact the NHS’s ability to retain and recruit nursing staff, ultimately affecting patient care.