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Disappointed says RCM on 3% pay award for midwives in Wales

on 22 July 2021 Maternity Services Midwifery Midwives NHS NHS Wales NHS Unions NHS Pay Review Body RCM Wales Wales Welsh Government

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) in Wales have today expressed disappointment that its members are to receive a 3% pay award and have called on the Welsh Government to meet with joint staff side to see if a better pay increase can be achieved.

Welsh Government have followed recommendations from the Pay Review Body (PRB), but the award is not on par with what midwives and maternity support workers received in Scotland.

Commenting the RCM’s National Officer for Wales, Vicky Richards said:

“We are disappointed for our members in Wales because we fought and campaigned for a significant pay increase and one that was backdated to 2020.Unfortunately, that has not happened. We had hoped that the Welsh Government would recognise and properly address the real term pay losses suffered by our members for over a decade. Maternity staff in Wales have spent well over a year working harder than they’ve ever done and have shown their commitment and dedication to women and their babies in Wales, but many are running on empty and are physically and mentally burnt out. Staff feel undervalued and are thinking with their feet and many will see this pay award as the final straw.”

The RCM in Wales had already secured a covid recognition bonus payment of payment of £750 (gross, £500 after tax and deductions) earlier this year, which was paid to members during this summer.

Vicky added:

“Today the RCM and other health unions in Wales that make up joint staff side have called upon Welsh Government to meet urgently to discuss the pay position and the 3% proposal to explore what more could be achieved. Next the RCM will be discussing its policy on the PRB process we will consider if it is still fit for purpose and if a better deal could be achieved through negotiation as was done in Scotland. We will talk to members in Wales, the RCM Board will meet to determine our position and the next steps for our pay campaign.”

 

ENDS

 

Notes to Editors:

 

 

 

 

The RCM is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance, and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences, and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website.

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