SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA has said that a recommended pay increase for health service staff is derisory and will not address serious workforce issues which threaten the delivery of critical public services.

The South Down MLA has written to Health Minister Robin Swann following publication of the pay review body recommendations this evening.

Colin McGrath MLA said:

“The health service pay recommendation is derisory, fails to address longstanding workforce and staff retention challenges and it will pose a serious threat to the delivery of core public services.

“Inflation will totally nullify this offer for many nurses and health service staff who have been working themselves to the point of exhaustion for years with little recognition. Now they’re being insulted with a proposed increase that will still leave people struggling with the cost of energy, fuel and food.

“There are also serious concerns about the funding source for an appropriate pay award for our health service staff. The Department of Health has been clear with the pay review body about its own resource capacity and that any increase must be funded by the Treasury.

“I have written to the Health Minister this evening and asked for an urgent written statement to give confidence to health service staff that this will be addressed.”