The Welsh Government has announced a pay rise for NHS staff in Wales, marking the National Health Service’s seventieth anniversary.
The offer, which will provide a pay increase for staff across the NHS, has been negotiated with employers and unions. It will now need to be approved through a ballot of union members.
The decision will see all NHS staff in Wales gain pay parity with their counterparts in England, following a recently announced three year pay deal worth 6.5% across the border.
Welsh Health Secretary Vaughan Gething said: “I am pleased to announce that we are now able to offer a much deserved pay rise to our hard-working and dedicated NHS staff.
“As we celebrate the seventieth anniversary of the NHS in Wales, it is appropriate we recognise those who made the service what it is today and continue to deliver the best possible care for all in their time of need.
“Our NHS in Wales simply could not function without the skill, dedication and hard work of its staff.”
“The deal matches the offer made in England and goes beyond it in some areas which are important to our NHS in Wales.”
“While much may have changed since 1948, the words of NHS founder Aneurin Bevan still ring true today as they did 70 years ago, ‘No society can legitimately call itself civilised if a sick person is denied medical aid because of lack of means’.”
The Welsh Government’s offer comes on the day that the NHS is celebrating seventy years since its establishment. It was launched on July 5, 1948, by then Minister of Health Aneurin Bevan, who was also Member of Parliament for Ebbw Vale.
The NHS in Wales became the responsibility of the Welsh Government following the establishment of The National Assembly for Wales in 1999.
The pay offer includes a new rate of £17,460 introduced from April 1, 2018, as the minimum basic pay rate in the NHS, whilst also ensuring higher starting salaries for staff in every pay band.
Hefin David, Assembly Member for Caerphilly, welcomed the government’s decision.
Dr David said: “Hard-working NHS staff are dedicated to delivering an amazing job for patients in Wales. It’s fitting as we celebrate 70 years since Nye Bevan founded the NHS, we recognise staff with this pay offer. I commend Health Secretary Vaughan Gething AM and the Welsh Government in taking this decision.”
The Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, which covers Caerphilly County Borough, employs more than 13,000 staff.
Scrap the WAG and more money could be spent on Welsh NHS.
Its seems welsh Labour has found a magic money tree, what about the other Emergency Services?