NHS workers must get a proper pay rise, the north's main unions have said.
In a joint statement, Unison, Nipsa, Unite and the RCN, said they were "preparing to pursue" a pay claim.
The unions said a "decent pay rise" will help attract new staff and retain experienced workers.
Although the British government said earlier this week the 1% cap on public sector pay rises in England and Wales will be lifted, the change will not affect the north.
The unions insisted that "all public servants, no matter where in the United Kingdom they live or what job they do, deserve a proper pay rise".
They said extra money should be added to the block grant to meet the pay claim.
NHS staff in the north have still not been given a rise, due from April this year, that was recommended by the Pay Review Body.
