NHS staff anger over pay rise snub

Low turn-out for protest in Cathedral Square but organisers vow to carry on campaign

NHS staff staged a socially distanced protest in Peterborough on Saturday to air their anger at not being included in public sector pay rises.

The protest - along with others across the country - was organised after some NHS staff and health workers were not included in the public sector pay rise announcement in July.

There was a low turn-out in Peterborough but organisers say they will be staging further demonstrations at which they hope to attract bigger numbers.

While public sector workers including teachers, doctors and dentists will receive an above-inflation pay rise, some health care staff including nurses, midwives and hospital cleaners will not benefit as they are already part of the Agenda for Change (AfC) – a separate three-year pay deal which ends next April.

Protesters made speeches and carried banners calling for a 15% pay increase following the government’s announcements of pay rises across the public sector. Staff affected say they have been left feeling ‘undervalued, tired and demoralised’ for being left out.

Organiser Rachael Wheatley, a third year student nurse at Hinchingbrooke Hospital who is due to graduate this month, was joined by around a dozen NHS staff in Cathedral Sqaure.

Rachael told the Peterborough Telegraph although disappointed by the turn-out the event had boosted morale and further protests were planned.

“We were quite disappointed by the turn-out, although morale was very good among those here,” she said.

“I think a lot of people think that we won’t get change and so didn’t come. But we are determined to fight until we do. We will plan another protest in September or October, when Parliament is back. We will come back bigger and better.”

Rachael said they did get support from members of the public and a ‘drive-by’ tribute from firefighters.

Organiser Rachael Wheatley speaking at the protest