Northern Ireland

Health minister agrees one per cent pay rise for NHS staff

Health minister Simon Hamilton has announced a one per cent pay rise for NHS workers for 2016/17
Health minister Simon Hamilton has announced a one per cent pay rise for NHS workers for 2016/17 Health minister Simon Hamilton has announced a one per cent pay rise for NHS workers for 2016/17

Health minister Simon Hamilton has said NHS staff will get a one per cent pay rise over the next year.

The DUP assembly member last month pledged to honour the recommendations of an independent pay review body following a bitter two-year dispute with unions.

The recommended pay rise will also cover doctors and dentists.

However, some trade unions in Northern Ireland and England last night criticised the increase, branding it 'miserly'.

While staff failed to secure a pay rise for the current financial year, it was hoped the review body would look favourably on the north's healthcare sector as it was the only NHS region which did not receive a one per cent increase.

Unison last night called for an examination of pay gaps between Northern Ireland and Britain.

However, Mr Hamilton said the review body had found "no evidence" that large numbers of staff are leaving the north because of pay.

"I am accepting these recommendations for a 1% pay award.

“This will be challenging in what are tough budgetary times but I am clear that it is an appropriate award for our hard working staff, who I am sure will warmly welcome this decision.”