New Welsh health minister Mabon ap Gwynfor must act on pay, says UNISON

NHS staff are being urged to write to new cabinet minister for health and care Mabon ap Gwynfor calling on him to prioritise pay, says UNISON today (Wednesday).

The letter highlights growing anger among nurses, healthcare assistants, porters and other NHS workers over a 3.3% pay award that fails to keep pace with rising living costs.

Staff say years of below-inflation awards have eroded wages, damaged morale and left many considering better-paid roles outside the NHS.

The letter also raises concerns about the current Pay Review Body process, which staff say stops them having any meaningful say over their pay. It points to Scotland, where direct negotiations between government, employers and unions have delivered better outcomes for NHS workers.

UNISON Cymru regional health committee chair Dawn Ward said: “Mabon ap Gwynfor must make pay a priority from day one and begin direct talks with unions to put things right.

“There’s real anger among NHS staff who feel let down yet again by the latest pay award. A 3.3% rise simply isn’t enough after years of falling pay.

“Staff are stretched to the limit, doing everything they can to care for patients. But when pay continues to fall behind the cost of living, it becomes harder to keep experienced workers in the NHS.”

UNISON Cymru head of health Tanya Bull said: “This is a critical moment for NHS Wales. Staff need immediate action from the new cabinet minister, not more of the same.

“The current system has failed to deliver fair pay and leaves workers without a proper voice. Direct negotiations on pay are the only way to avoid strikes and start rebuilding trust.

“Without action on pay, the NHS will struggle to recruit and retain the staff needed to deliver safe, high-quality care for patients.”

Notes to editors:  
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contact:  
Jim Poulter M: 07904 342511 E: [email protected]