Nurses and midwives reject pay offer plus benefits

Monday 06 March 2023

All three trade unions representing nurses and midwives in Jersey have rejected the government's latest pay offer of a 7.9% rise - as well as a healthcare plan, bus pass scheme and more annual leave.

Members of the Royal College of Nursing, Royal College of Midwives and Jersey Nursing Association will now wait to see what the government says about the rejection.

It comes after teachers recently rejected their 7.9% proposed pay offer, and suggested that strike action was potentially on the table.

The 7.9% offer for nurses and midwives also included additional benefits such as a free Heath Care Plan, which they said could include dental and optician coverage, and private referrals to clinicians, subject to a procurement exercise.

CLICK TO READ: The full pay offer letter.

David Cozens, Royal College of Nursing Regional Officer, said: "Our members had already indicated to us that they wouldn't be happy with a below inflation pay offer, so this rejection doesn't come as a surprise. We are keen to work with the States to come to an offer that members are more likely to accept."

Julie Richards, Royal College of Midwives Director for Wales and its lead on Jersey pay, added: "Our members have had their say and it is a comprehensive rejection of the offer. We need to see another one on the table that reflects the significant increase in the cost of living and the high rate of inflation which remains in double digits.

"The skills, dedication, and commitment of midwives and maternity support workers must be matched with a pay offer that reflects this, and one that shows the island's Government value them. We await that offer."

Jersey Nursing Association was also unsurprised by its member's rejection.

Lee Turner, Unite Health Jersey Nursing Association Convenor and Secretary, explained: "After surveying our membership about their expectations on the 2023 pay increase expectation in October 2022, they overwhelmingly indicated that the cost living increase would be the bare minimum they would accept.

"The majority of which are aware that the cost of living has now increased significantly since September, so the rejection outcome is what the JNA expected. We are keen to meet as soon as possible to discuss our members' reasonable expectations."

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