25/02/2020

Minister Welcomes Health Union Breakthrough

The Health Minister has welcomed the breakthrough on pay parity and safe staffing as unions accept his offer.

Unison, Unite and the Royal College of Nursing had taken industrial action for several months in dispute of pay and staffing levels.

Members yesterday agreed to accept the Health Ministers proposals, which are expected to cost the Executive around £170 million in 2020/21.

Welcoming the agreement, Minister Swann said: "My first objective on taking up the post of Health Minister was to secure a resolution to the industrial action and I am delighted that this has now been achieved.

"This was made possible through important pay and staffing commitments which I was able to make with Executive-wide backing and I am grateful to my colleagues around the Executive table for this vital support.

"As I have repeatedly stated, our health service will need sustained investment year on year for the sake of patients and staff."



(JG/CM)

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