Anger as hard-working NHS staff get 1% pay rise
There's been an angry reaction locally to the announcement from the government that hard-working NHS staff will only get a 1% pay rise this year.
Reacting Leicestershire Lib Dem Councillor Micha el Mullaney said "Our NHS staff have gone above and beyond during this Covid-19 pandemic. For the government to offer them a 1% pay rise, which with inflation is effectively a pay cut in real terms is abysmal.
"The Government is throwing a staggering £37 billion at a Test & Trace system that we know has made barely any difference but yet it says that it cannot afford to give more than a pitiful 1% pay rise to NHS workers.
"The Prime Minister stood on the steps of No 10 and applauded them, but he gives them just a 1% pay rise. Last year Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council called on the government to deliver NHS staff a proper pay rise, its time the government did this for our NHS workers who've done so much for us."
Councillor Mark Sheppard-Bools Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council Health Champion said "When the government asked for help so many nurses answered the call and gave their all for their patients. It is time to reward them with more than just a clap and give them the respect they deserve.
"The 1% pay rise offered by the government represents just £3.50 a week extra for an experienced nurse, so to say the money is not available is simply not true when we have seen the figures spent on unusable PPE and on a flawed Track and Trace system."