Inflation 4.3%; Pay rise 2.75%

The latest inflation figures make sad reading for anyone in the NHS who will probably only receive a 2.75% pay rise this year (and even lower pay rises for the next two years) after the RCN and Unison voted to accept the three-year deal. After last year's sub-inflation pay rise, most staff will have had a 4% pay cut in real terms. This does not reflect the real damage to our income as many staff in the NHS are low paid and the rises in food and fuel affect them even more.

Unite, the GMB, the RCM and several other NHS unions have voted against the three-year deal but it is not clear what action will be taken.

Dave Prentis of Unison is already talking about trying to get the deal improved in light of the latest inflation figures but it is unclear what will be done as the ink is barely dry on the ballot papers. Unison members voted 64% in favour of the deal though they have not publicised the turnout.