Responding to the pay rise announced today for parts of the public sector, the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery said:

“We welcome the government’s acceptance of the recommendations set out in the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration report, following evidence we provided to the DDRB in February, and look forward to reading the full details upon its publication.

“With the NHS facing a workforce crisis, pay rises for doctors will help support improved recruitment, retention and morale. The vast majority of HR directors we surveyed at the start of the year, prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, called for a 2% minimum pay rise. The decision to award 2.8% this year, as part of the Long Term Plan’s funding settlement, reflects that.

“Additionally, SAS doctors are in need of greater recognition and reward. We welcome the government’s positive comments on these negotiations and urge a speedy resolution on contract reform for this group of doctors.

The tremendous value the public holds for NHS and care staff and their extraordinary efforts to keep us safe has never been more clear, and it is vital that all groups are recognised for their work.

Saffron Cordery    Deputy Chief Executive

“We recognise that multi-year pay deals have been agreed and are in place for both junior doctors and for Agenda for Change staff, including nurses, porters and support staff, but central funding to recognise the additional work undertaken by these groups during the pandemic is necessary, particularly given that these pressures will not ease for some time.

“Recognition of the strain which social care staff continue to be under due the pandemic is also vital through increased funding to local authorities and an urgent, but long-term solution for the sector.

“The tremendous value the public holds for NHS and care staff and their extraordinary efforts to keep us safe has never been more clear, and it is vital that all groups are recognised for their work.”