'Nurses deserve overdue pay increase' – Bradley

SDLP MLA for Newry and Armagh has said hard-working nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants deserve an overdue pay increase.

Bradley has been contacted in recent weeks by a number of nurses who have highlighted that the deterioration in pay standards combined with service stresses is having a negative impact on professional morale.
Bradley told Newry Times, “I am deeply concerned that the deterioration in nursing pay standards combined with service stresses is having a negative impact on professional morale.
“The government has restricted pay rises for nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants for over four years. The projected ongoing flat pay freeze for hard pressed public servants especially in health and care services was one of my reasons for voting against the Budget.
“Nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants have also rightly highlighted the government inconsistency and cynicism in variously using and ignoring the Independent Pay Review Body to suit its own views.
He added, “The SDLP will continue to fight to help ensure that hard-working nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants get what is due to them.”