Sunak sparks optimism over talks on NHS pay

Rishi Sunak sparked a “chink of optimism” about a possible pay boost for NHS workers as the prime minister signalled a willingness to address higher pay demands for the first time yesterday. The PM’s remarks on being “happy” to discuss improved pay came ahead of a crucial meeting between Steve Barclay and health unions, at which union leaders will demand that the health secretary engages on the current pay dispute. Some union leaders expressed cautious optimism after Mr Sunak said that the government was “open” to discussing the pay of nurses and ambulance staff.