NHS workers stage pay protest in Peterborough city centre

The protest - along with others across the country - was organised after some NHS staff and health workers were not included in the public sector pay rise announcement in July.

There was a low turnout in Peterborough but organisers say they will be staging further demonstrations at which they hope to attract bigger numbers.

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.

Protesters made speeches and carried banners calling for 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, a third year student nurse at Hinchingbrooke Hospital who is due to graduate this month, was joined by around a dozen NHS staff in Cathedral Sqaure.

Rachel told the Peterborough Telegraph although disappointed by the turnout the event had boosted morale and further protests are planned: “ We were quite disappointed by the turnout, although morale was very good among those here,” she said.

“I think a lot of people think that we won’t get change and so didn’t come. But we are determined to fight until we do.

“We will plan another protest in September or October, when Parliament is back. We will come back bigger and better.”

Rachel said they did get support from members of the public and a ‘drive-by’ tribute from firefighters.

“People were listening and waving and clapping which was nice,” she added. “The drive-by from the firefighters was amazing and a real morale booster.

“We will keep going. Nurses United is planning more workplace demonstrations on August 26 and we will carry on. We are determined and we will be back.”