NHS staff to stage pay protest in Peterborough

The decision to protest comes after some NHS staff and health workers were not included in the public sector pay rise announcement in July.

While public sector workers including teachers, doctors and dentists will receive an above-inflation pay rise, some health care staff including nurses, midwives and hospital cleaners will not benefit as they are already part of the Agenda for Change (AfC) – a separate three-year pay deal which ends next April.

Healthcare workers are planning a socially distanced gathering in Cathedral Square this Saturday (August 8) at 11am.

Organisers say the ‘NHS workers say no’ event will be a peaceful protest and is one of many taking place across the country on the same day.

Organisers are demanding a 15% pay increase following the government’s announcements of pay rises across the public sector. Staff affected say they have been left feeling ‘undervalued, tired and demoralised’ for being left out.

Organiser, Rachael Wheatley is a third year student nurse who is due to graduate at the end of the month.

She said: “Before the pandemic hit, we were called to volunteer and it was apparent there was a shortage of nurses.

“It is dangerous for our patients to have such low staffing numbers and the main factor for these shortages and people leaving the NHS is the poor pay.”

Acknowledging the efforts of the NHS staff throughout the pandemic, Rachael has welcomed the support from colleagues and others and asks for those interested to support the cause on Saturday.

She said: “I’m privileged to have worked in a large variety of services with some amazing members of staff who should all be recognised for their efforts in the NHS. The government needs to act to preserve the workforce and recruit more. Clapping doesn’t pay the bills, as much as it’s a lovely gesture showing public support. The pandemic is not over yet.”

If you are planning to attend the protest, organisers ask you to maintain social distancing and wear a face mask or covering.