The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) will consult its members in Wales later this month on the Welsh Government’s latest pay offer for NHS staff. The consultation runs from 28 April to 15 May and the RCM is recommending its members accept.
The consultation follows a new pay offer from the Welsh Government announced late yesterday. This ‘enhanced’ offer for 2023/23 adds an extra average 3% ‘recovery fee’ payment on top of a 5.5% consolidated pay increase for 2022/23, plus a non-consolidated 1.5% on top backdated to April 2022. Payment of this will be dependent on acceptance of the offer by health unions. The 2023/24 offer is a 5% consolidated pay increase. This development follows a period of intense negotiation with the Welsh Government by the RCM and other health unions.
Julie Richards, RCM Director for Wales, said: “This is without a doubt the best deal that can be achieved. It is a significant step forward from the earlier offer and a good one for 2023/24. Our members have made this great achievement possible. It is their willingness and determination to take a stand and take action for better care for women, better working conditions, and fairer pay that has brought this about. It is important that our members now look at this offer and vote in our upcoming consultation to have their say.”
The deal also pulls through elements from the earlier pay deal including a commitment from the Welsh Government to look at restoring pay to 2008 levels. The Welsh Government has also committed to discuss the pay offer if extra money for pay is given to Wales by the Westminster Government through the Barnett Formula. However, this is dependent on any eventual pay settlement in England.
There are also a number of promises around issues that RCM members have concerns about, including unsocial hours allowance and flexible working. Alongside this there are pledges to look at staffing levels to address growing shortages, more flexible working, and a commitment to look at reducing working hours with no loss of pay.
ENDS
To contact the RCM Media Office call 020 7312 3456, or email media@rcm.org.uk.
Notes to editors
More details on the pay offer can be seen at Written Statement: NHS Pay award enhancement for 2022/2023 and pay award for 2023/24 Agenda for Change staff (20 April 2023) | GOV.WALES.
See also:
- RCM moves to accept Welsh Government pay offer following member consultation
- RCM pauses Wales strike action to consult members on new pay offer
- Midwives announce dates for strike action in Wales (rcm.org.uk)
- RCM continues with plans for industrial action following meeting with Welsh Health Minister
- Midwives in Wales vote yes to industrial action (rcm.org.uk)
- RCM urges members in England and Wales to vote YES to industrial action as ballot date announced
The Royal College of Midwives (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 | A professional organisation and trade union dedicated to serving the whole midwifery team.
