Nurses reject UK government's 5.5% pay rise offer

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - Nurses in the UK have overwhelmingly rejected the government's offer of a 5.5% pay rise.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) announced that two-thirds of its members voted against the proposed increase, with polling turnout reaching a record high.

The pay rise, confirmed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on July 29, was expected to come into effect next month.

In response to the outcome, Nicola Ranger, the RCN's general secretary, expressed the growing frustration among nursing staff, pointing to a "fundamental shift" in their resolve to “stand up for themselves.”

In a letter addressed to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Ranger highlighted the discontent felt by nurses after more than a decade of what she described as "neglect."

While many within the profession recognize the government’s recent commitment to reforming the NHS, Ranger emphasized that workers must "feel valued" in order to successfully "raise standards and reform" the health system.

"This outcome shows their expectations of government are far higher," she added, reflecting a broad sentiment within the profession that the proposed pay increase falls short of addressing long-standing issues.

The RCN said that the pay of an experienced nurse diminished by 25% in real terms under the Conservative governments between 2010 and 2024.