Celebrities join in with unions calling for an NHS pay rise

on 12 January 2021

Celebrities have joined unions in calling the UK Government on giving a significant pay rise to NHS staff.

Football legend Gary Lineker, comedian Jo Brand and Hollywood star David Oyelowo have backed the fair pay campaign by health unions, which include the Royal College of Midwives (RCM).

On International Thank You Day, Monday 11 January 2021, DJ Annie Mac, TV Presenter Konnie Huq and Dragon’s Den investor and businesswoman Deborah Meaden shared their thanks to NHS staff.

14 unions, who represent 1.4 million NHS workers, are asking the public to use social media to share the campaign and to highlight the vital work of midwives and other NHS staff using the hashtags #WithNHSStaff, #FairPay and tagging their local MP.

Executive Director for External Relations at the RCM, Jon Skewes, said: “NHS staff are currently holding the country together. They’re facing a challenge like never before, which is made worse by staffing shortages.

“The government needs to act now to acknowledge their contribution and commitment. Ministers must give staff and early and significant pay rise that would help restore their pay in in real terms. It would also ensure there are enough staff to future-proof the NHS.”

A video has been produced highlighting the diverse range of workers within the NHS to complement the campaign and can be viewed here.

Chief Executive and General Secretary at the Royal College of Nursing, Donna Kinnair added: “Last year, nursing staff were buoyed by overwhelming public gratitude. Today presents a new and different way to display that same strength of feeling. But health care staff need to hear long after today there’s public support to treat them better, recognise their skill and pay them fairly.”

The 14 unions leading the campaign are: The 14 NHS unions are: Royal College of Midwives, British Association of Occupational Therapists, British Dietetic Association, British Orthoptic Society, Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, College of Podiatry, Federation of Clinical Scientists, GMB, Managers in Partnership, Prison Officers Association, Royal College of Nursing, Society of Radiographers, UNISON and Unite.

MIDIRS is proud to support midwives and NHS staff and believes all staff should be given a fair pay rise.