Give them all a proper increase

There can’t be many, besides Theresa May and Philip Hammond, who don’t think midwives, teaching assistants and social workers are owed a decent pay rise.

Now we have to convince Conservative MPs in marginal seats too. The PM was quick to thank the emergency services after the terrible events this year. But warm words won’t put food on the table.

This week we saw the first cracks in the Government’s pay policy with rises slightly above 1% for police and prison officers. That same day the cost of living soared.

There must be no picking and choosing who gets a decent rise and who stays stranded on 1%. If we don’t start paying our nurses, occupational therapists, radiographers and hospital caterers a decent wage many will leave the NHS.

The Government must pay up now.