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Stephen has written to the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, asking if the Government is considering a 12.5% pay rise for NHS workers. He has also expressed deep concern about scale of unfilled nursing positions which currently stands at 43,000.
Stephen has been contacted by a number of constituents in the past few weeks who pointed him to a campaign being organised by the Royal College of Nursing. They argue that health and care workers have been on the frontline fighting against coronavirus and their hard work should be recognised by guaranteed increased wages.
Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, Jon Ashworth, recently told reporters that the government should engage in pay talks to discuss wage increases to drive up employment as well as sustain the NHS who the public is heavily relying upon in these unprecedented times.
Echoing these comments Stephen said, “The pandemic has shown just how valuable and loved NHS nurses are. I believe the Government must - at least - consider a pay increase for NHS workers, as well as putting together a proper solution for recruitment and retention”