UNISON accept Welsh Government pay offer for NHS staff.
Over three-quarters of members accepted the new pay offer
Last updated 12th May 2023
Unison, the largest health union in Wales, has accepted a pay offer from the Welsh Government.
The offer of a 5% pay increase for 2023/24 and an additional one-off 'recovery payment' for the previous financial year was accepted by 78% of those balloted.
The one-off payment will be worth between £900-£1,190 and is worth an average of 3% of their annual salaries.
Unison is one of multiple unions in Wales where NHS staff are striking. Others include the GMB, UNITE and the Royal College of Nursing.
In a statement, UNISON Wales head of bargaining and campaigns Jess Turner said:“Health workers have sent a clear message. Of course, NHS staff want and deserve more, but they’ve opted to accept this offer and the certainty it brings them.
“This acceptance might end UNISON’s NHS dispute, but it doesn't solve the significant workforce issues facing the health service. The most pressing is tackling the growing staffing emergency and health worker burnout.
“The NHS is one team. Every job and every worker make an essential contribution to patient care.
“NHS staff have told us they need money in their pockets now to deal with the worsening cost-of-living crisis.
“If this deal goes through NHS staff will receive their pay rise much sooner than in previous years. This sets an expectation for the way NHS pay is approached in future in Wales.”