Commenting on the announcement of a rise in the national minimum wage to £12.21 in April, UNISON assistant general secretary Jon Richards said today (Tuesday):
“This much-needed boost will see millions of workers struggling a little less from next spring. With more in pay slips, hard-earned cash will go further, easing the pressure on stretched household finances.
“Many of the employees delivering essential services and caring for those unable to look after themselves will benefit from the rise. They’ll be able to spend more within their communities, helping local economies grow.
“But as it stands, the new legal minimum is more than the current lowest hourly rate in the NHS, universities and some other public services. This will give employers multiple headaches.
“To avoid this in the NHS, the government should ditch the outdated pay review body process and start talks with unions now. This will ensure wages remain competitive for all employees, so staff don’t leave the NHS.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service, and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary, and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
The article Minimum wage boost welcome but has pay implications for the NHS and other key services, says UNISON first appeared on the UNISON National site.
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