Matt Hancock defends 1% pay rise for NHS staff after unions plot strike action

HEALTH Secretary Matt Hancock has defended a proposed one per cent pay rise for NHS staff after a furious backlash.

He insisted it was all the country could afford as unions threatened to ballot workers on strike action if the Government refused to think again.

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They even called for Brits to give a sarcastic slow clap on their doorsteps next week to show their disapproval.

The Royal College of Nursing has said it would set up a £35million industrial action fund in response to the pay recommendation.

But Mr Hancock said he was pleased NHS staff would be getting an increase at all — as pay for all other public sector staff would be frozen.

And he hailed their incredible work in keeping the nation safe.

He said: “I am a huge admirer of all those who’ve worked in the NHS during this pandemic, and done so much, and I’m very pleased that the NHS staff have been carved out of the pay freeze.”

Mr Hancock said the billions spent on helping the economy get through the pandemic, and the stark state of the finances in this week’s Budget, meant they could not spare more.

But he added in the No 10 briefing last night: “What I’d say to every nurse who’s watching, and everybody who has worked so hard, is we have over this pandemic pulled together in an incredible way. I really hope that we can continue doing that.”

Downing Street also insisted one per cent was all that could be afforded — but promised to accept the independent pay body’s recommendations later this year.

Health Minister Nadine Dorries said ministers had to prioritise measures to boost the economy and protect jobs over more money for healthcare workers.

She even claimed to be “pleasantly surprised” the Government had offered up any cash. But she admitted that “everybody in an ideal world would love to see nurses paid far more”.

A No 10 spokesman said last night: “We recognise the impact that Covid has had on the NHS, and we want to honour this.

“The pandemic has real consequences and we have done all that we can to protect jobs and save livelihoods.

“The recommended one per cent pay rise is affordable, while acknowledging their work and commitment, over the last 12 months.”