NHS pay rise ‘a state cost’

HOSPITALS have warned a 6.5% pay rise for NHS staff must be fully paid for by the Government.

Reports claim the threeyear deal will be offered to 1.3 million health service workers as long as they give up a day’s leave.

Saffron Cordery, chief executive of NHS Providers, said the Government had promised to fully fund the increase and it was “vital that this covers the full term” and all services covered by NHS.

Downing St said negotiations were ongoing.