The Royal College of Nursing has warned that almost one third of the Nurses will refuse to work overtime, if they are not compensated for it. Further, they have indicated that anything less than a 3% payaward, would tantamount to NHS losing almost one day per week of an NHS’ nurse service.
NHS nurses work overtime on an avergae of 6.5 hours each week, for which they are not compensated, as it would cost the NHS £8 million a week.Chancellor Gordon Brown’s take on the NHS Pay Review 2006, recommends the pay award to be in line with the 2% inflation target. This has led to widespread anger and disaapointment amongst the nursing community. The decision about the Pay Award will be made in early March.
The RCN has put forth the Pay Hike requirement of an above inflation target. This will give the RCN the renewed thrust to tackle different issues facing the NHS.
Health minister Rosie Winterton has said that Nursing has become a lucrative profession with increased pay, flexible working, and pocket-frindly childcare , that has inspired additional 78,660 to join the NHS ever since 1997.
