Failing to address NHS pay would risk worsening staff shortages, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and other health unions are warning today.
Unions including the CSP have written to the Prime Minister, Theresa May, urging her to end pay restraint in the NHS that has cost physiotherapy staff thousands of pounds in lost earnings.
With inflation rising quickly, Prof Karen Middleton, the CSP’s chief executive, said it was important that the warnings in the letter were acted upon to stop NHS pay slipping further behind.
She said:
‘There are staffing shortages across the NHS and unless the cap on pay is lifted, these pressures will be exacerbated as staff leave for other sectors and even other professions.
‘The new government must make it a priority to lift the pay cap to fairly reward NHS staff and recognise the extraordinary contribution they make.’
‘Physiotherapy staff and their colleagues are proud to work in the NHS and have sustained it under the toughest of circumstances but their dedication and goodwill must be exploited no longer.
‘It’s time for the Prime Minister to show leadership on this important issue and act quickly to demonstrate the value she places on NHS staff.’
The letter can be read here.
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1. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is the UK’s professional, educational and trade union body. We have more than 56,000 members, including chartered physiotherapists, physiotherapy students and support workers.
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