Government Offers Another 3% NHS Pay Rise For 2022

Presuming the 3% rise is formally agreed, the main argument among critics is that it represents a real-terms cut.

The government has recommended a pay rise for NHS staff of ‘up to 3%’ to the NHS pay review body. This suggested rise would come into effect from April 2022.

It would match the 3% increase that was introduced in 2021.

However, it has already come under enormous scrutiny from key unions including the Royal College of Nursing and Unison.

A Real-Terms Cut?

Presuming the 3% rise is formally agreed, the main argument among critics is that it represents a real-terms cut.

That’s because inflation in the UK is currently exceptionally high at 5.5%, meaning the cost of living has spiralled. Furthermore, with national insurance contributions soon to increase for all UK workers, NHS Nurses are likely to feel the pinch.

One of the biggest worries is the potential consequence of the cost-of-living squeeze on NHS staff retention.

The NHS still has a shortage of around 40,000 Nurses, and the last thing it needs is an exodus of staff. But many unions believe this is exactly what will happen if a more generous pay rise isn’t offered.

The government is under enormous pressure to balance the economic fall-out from Covid-19 and Brexit, and that is a major factor underlying this decision. To put it simply, ministers don’t think they can justify anything higher.

But the unions suggest inflation hasn’t even peaked yet. If that’s the case, 3% could end up being more than half the rate of inflation. For Nurses, that could make monthly budgeting even tighter than it already is.

Have Your Say

As a Nurse, what do you think about this pay rise?

And what kind of effect do you think it will have on morale and staff retention?

As always, we’re eager to hear your frontline views over anyone else’s.