Unions call for early pay rise for NHS staff

Unions say increase would make staff feel more valued and help boost flagging economy

Unions representing more than 1.3 million NHS workers have written to the government calling for talks to begin on a pay rise to take effect before the end of the year to reflect the efforts of staff during the coronavirus pandemic.

In letters sent to the prime minister and the chancellor on Friday, as the nation prepares to give thanks to the NHS on its 72nd birthday, the 14 unions say the government should build on the huge public support for staff during the Covid-19 crisis and deliver an early pay rise.