Pay restraint is a ‘cruel blow’ for those working tirelessly in the pandemic, says UNISON

Responding to reports the chancellor of the exchequer is preparing to impose a pay cap on most public sector workers, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said today (Friday):

“Key workers across ​all public services remain at the heart of the fight against Covid.

“​Reports of pay ​restraint ​for all but frontline NHS staff would be a ​cruel body blow to ​other health, care and public service employees working tirelessly to get us through the pandemic. It would also backfire badly with the public.

“The government must do what’s right next week and announce the wage rise ​all staff have more than earned. Anything less risks destroying morale when the entire country is counting on them.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in both the public and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk