CSP disappointment as pay gap remains between Northern Ireland and rest of the UK

Senior negotiating officer Claire Ronald, who represented CSP members at talks today, said: ‘I’m disappointed for our hard-working members in Northern Ireland as it appears the department are not going to offer a pay award which closes the gap between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

'Our members’ dedication and hard work deserves to be properly rewarded and acknowledged through a decent pay award.'

The CSP will continue to keep members in Northern Ireland up to date and will consult over the next steps as the situation develops, Ms Ronald said.

A joint statement from the Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland trade unions follows

‘Health unions in Northern Ireland expressed deep disappointment following the statement from the Department of Health that was read to the trade unions today outlining their position on pay.

‘The pay gap our members expect us to close would still remain.

‘There is currently no basis in the Department of Health’s position to enter into a new round of discussions.

‘We have already sat in rooms with the Department and Employers for eight months without resolution and what we have heard today will anger our very hard working and dedicated health and social care staff who are already under significant pressure to deliver safe and effective care to the population.

‘Our dispute continues.

‘Those who lead the health service have a responsibility to seek and secure funding that is desperately needed to stabilise the workforce to ensure safe staffing levels and patient safety and deliver pay justice for our members across the HSC.’