WIREDGOV

Commenting on the news that broke recently (05 March 2021) that the government is only offering a 1% pay deal to NHS staff, TUC Regional Secretary Bill Adams said:

“Our brilliant NHS workers are getting us through this crisis. They are caring for our loved ones. And they are leading the vaccination effort.

“This is an insulting way to reward their service. All of our key workers deserve a decent pay rise.

“Rishi Sunak found time to produce a slick video to promote his budget, but when key workers from his own constituency invited him to hear their experiences of the pandemic on Monday night, he couldn’t find the time to attend.

“Instead of prioritising £10 billion payouts to Serco for a failed track and trace scheme, the Chancellor should show that he’s putting Yorkshire’s needs first and give our key workers the pay rise they deserve.”

According to TUC research published on 5 February, 4,977 public sector workers in Richmond constituency will lose £3 million in pay thanks to the Chancellor’s pay freeze announced in November 2020.

Editors Note

• A public meeting in Richmond with local key workers took place on Monday night (01/03). Rishi Sunak was invited to attend as the local MP (invite sent 17/02) to hear local key workers tell him their experiences of the pandemic and ask for a pay rise. Mr. Sunak said he was unable to attend the meeting. Key workers and attendees from the meeting may be available for interview
• Pay cuts for key workers in the public sector: In November 2020, the chancellor announced a pay freeze for all public sector workers apart from healthcare workers and people who earn less than £24,000 a year. Based on data provided by HMT, the TUC estimates that 2.6 million public sector workers will be subject to the freeze in 2021.
• ‘Winning a pay rise for key workers’ campaign: The TUC is running a campaign for fair pay for key workers, including those in both public and private sector employment. Further details of the campaign are here: https://www.tuc.org.uk/campaigns/winning-pay-rise-key-workers
• The Trades Union Congress (TUC) exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. We bring together more than 5.5 million working people who make up our 48 member unions. We support unions to grow and thrive, and we stand up for everyone who works for a living.

Contacts:

Gareth Forest
gforest@tuc.org.uk  
0113 200 1075
07810 374976

Bill Adams (weekend)
badams@tuc.org.uk
07867 788856

TUC national press office 
media@tuc.org.uk 
020 7467 1248