RCM say it may have to consider Pay Review Body process if pay award unfair to members

on 20 July 2021 Midwives NHS Maternity Services Pay NHS Pay Review Body Pay and Agenda For Change Government MSWs - Maternity Support Workers

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has said it may have to consider if the Pay Review Body (PRB) process is still fit for purpose if the Government adheres to a low recommendation that is not the significant pay award that it has been campaigning for on behalf of its members. 

The statement comes as the RCM awaits a long overdue formal announcement on pay for its members in England from the Government and follows a year long pay campaign from the RCM who managed to secure at headline 4% pay increase backdated to December 2020 for its members in Scotland earlier this year.

Commenting, RCM’s Executive Director for External Affairs and one of the NHS Unions chief negotiators, Jon Skewes said: “The Government have really dragged their heels on this announcement which has further angered our members, despite their efforts, dedication and professionalism during the pandemic they have been left in limbo and feel undervalued. In Scotland we negotiated a 4% backdated pay increase for members, who also received a one-off bonus payment in recognition of their efforts during the pandemic. Our members in England deserve the same.”

A 3% pay increase would be higher than inflation, but it would not be enough the RCM fears to counteract vacancies and prevent staff from leaving the profession for good.

The RCM will carefully consider the details of the pay announcement from Government including its adherence to Pay Review Body (PRB) recommendations. The RCM Board will make decisions on any announcement including ascertaining the views of members.

Jon added:

“The Government themselves have already admitted that the NHS in England is short of over 2,000 midwives that are desperately needed to improve safety in maternity services. What no one wants to see is further staff shortages, but midwives and maternity staff have had enough, they feel undervalued, and some have already voted with their feet. We hope the impending announcement will exceed both the measly 1 % proposed by the Government previously and the budgeted expectation of the NHS. We would also want reassurances from the Government any pay increase will be funded centrally, and that trusts will not be expected to use other budgets to pay for it.”

ENDS

 To contact the RCM Media Office call 020 7312 3456, or email media@rcm.org.uk

 

Notes to Editors:

 

Read more about the RCM’s Deliver A Decent deal pay campaign here: https://www.rcm.org.uk/pay-hub/

 

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.