Health workers call on East MPs to back early pay rise
They say it would help staff feel more valued as they deal with the pandemic.
Hundreds of health workers across the East of England are writing to the region's 58 MPs asking them to back UNISON's call for a pay rise in time for Christmas.
April is when they are officially due for one, but they claim bringing it forward by a few months will make them feel more valued and put the NHS in a better position.
UNISON Eastern regional head of health Sasha Savage said: "Health workers are exhausted from the first virus peak. They’re now dealing with the second wave and a backlog of cancelled treatments.
"We can rely on them as always to protect and care for us all. But staff are fearful and anxious because they know what lies ahead.
"Now is the time for a significant pay rise from the government. Workers doing the job would then feel valued, and an increase could attract much-needed new recruits."
UNISON believes a rise in pay could persuade staff thinking of leaving the NHS to change their minds, as well as making the roles more attractive.