Politics
Matt Hancock announcement: What time is the health secretary’s speech today, Friday, March 5?
MATT Hancock will lead a Downing Street press conference today after a huge backlash over the NHS’ one per cent pay rise next year.
But what time is his announcement and what is he expected to say? Here’s all you need to know…
Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates…
Hancock will lead a Downing Street press conference today after a huge backlash over the NHS’ one per cent pay rise next year[/caption]
What time is Matt Hancock’s announcement?
The health secretary’s speech will take place at 5pm today Friday, March 5.
What is Matt Hancock expected to say?
Hancock is expected to address the huge backlash the government has received over the NHS’ one per cent pay rise next year.
As part of measures to tighten the belt, pay rises across the public sector are to be paused from April, but NHS staff and the lowest paid will get a small, below-inflation rise.
The Department of Health said in its submission to the annual pay review bodies that “the Government will need to take into account the challenging fiscal and economic context” with pay awards.
Thousands have signed online petitions urging ministers to look again.
Militant unions today said they would consider striking over the proposed plans.
Colenzo Jarrett-Thorpe from Unite, which represents over 100,000 healthcare staff, said: “Following yesterday’s kick-in-the-teeth announcement that the Government wants to peg NHS pay at 1 per cent for 2021-22, Unite will be considering all its options, including the holding of an industrial action ballot, as our pay campaign mounts in the coming weeks.”
NHS staff and the lowest paid will get a small, below-inflation rise[/caption]
This morning the health minister Nadine Dorries sparked fury by insisting the offer of a 1% pay rises for NHS nurses is the “most we can afford” despite their work on the Covid frontline.
And she urged nurses to “stick with us” despite the low offer – which amounts to just £3.50 a week – because of their love of the job.
But she was accused by industry chiefs of treating NHS workers with contempt.
She said the Government had to prioritise economy boosting and jobs-protecting measures like extending the furlough scheme over more money for health care workers.
The Department of Health said in its submission to the annual pay review bodies that “the Government will need to take into account the challenging fiscal and economic context” with pay awards.
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How can I watch Matt Hancock’s announcement?
The speech will be available to watch on The Sun YouTube page.
You can also follow The Sun’s coronavirus live blog HERE.
