RCN: NHS pay plans have damaged nursing workforce morale

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has issued a strong criticism of the government's recent decision on NHS staff pay and the impact it will have on the nursing workforce.

It has written to MPs across the political spectrum asking them to support its efforts in contesting the decision, which it believes has brought the morale of UK nursing staff to an "all-time low".

Last month, the independent NHS Pay Review Body recommended a one percent cost of living increase for all staff on Agenda for Change contracts, but the government has refused to implement it, with the RCN arguing that 60 per cent of nurses will now receive no cost of living pay rise whatsoever.

RCN chief executive and general secretary Dr Peter Carter said many staff feel personally attacked and may leave the profession as a result.

He added: "We can ill-afford a further exodus, given the widely-accepted workforce issues already facing the NHS and the difficulties trusts all across the UK are having in recruiting nurses to vacant posts."

The organisation has been campaigning for better pay for nurses, having  submitted evidence to the NHS Pay Review Body in September 2013.