Being a BAOT member means you also belong to Unison and can access support and advice on workplace issues at any time .
Health unions call on the government to grant NHS staff a wage rise by Christmas
Unison , RCOT , and other health unions representing more than 1.3 million NHS staff across the UK , wrote in November to the Prime Minister calling for a pay rise for all NHS staff before Christmas .
The letter to Boris Johnson from all 14 health trade unions warns that the second virus wave is already placing hospitals under immense strain . It says staff are ‘ stressed , burned out and fearful ’ and that asking them to carry on regardless is increasingly unrealistic .
The letter adds : ‘ Once more , NHS staff will be relied upon to protect and care for us all . But health workers are exhausted , with many still recovering from the first virus peak .’
NHS staff are not due a pay rise until April 2021 , but the health unions say an early increase would help staff ‘ feel valued , by the entire country , and the government too ’.
The letter states that raising pay this year could persuade staff looking to leave the NHS to change their minds . An early wage boost could also prove attractive to thousands of much-needed potential NHS recruits .
Bringing forward the wage rise in time for Christmas would also place the NHS in a better position to face the future .
The unions reminded the Prime Minister that staff do their jobs because ‘ they ’ re passionate about making people well again , and because they want to make a difference ’.
We believe that giving staff a wage increase is ‘ morally the right decision to take ’. It ’ s time to do more than praise their courage and dedication .
Unison head of health Sara Gorton , who chairs the NHS group of 14 unions , said : ‘ The NHS can ’ t run without its staff . Their dedication during the pandemic has been humbling . But no one is superhuman and many are feeling the strain . Boris Johnson must show he has a heart by granting a pay rise before Christmas .’
Have you changed your address , do you have a new employer , have you told us ?
If your personal or employer details have changed , telling your professional body or trade union might be the furthest thing from your mind . Members of RCOT are automatically members of Unison . Luckily , this means that you need only to notify RCOT of any changes , and this information will automatically transfer and update Unison ’ s records . This will ensure that you receive important correspondence , especially when we consult you via ballot for pay offers or industrial action .
So if you have changed your job , address or name lately , remember to let us know – contact RCOT on tel : 020 3141 4648 or email :
membership @ rcot . co . uk .
# WithNHSStaff campaign
Unison and RCOT are among the 14 NHS trade unions co-ordinating a joint union pay campaign . A digital campaign will complement media and political lobbying activities to rally public support and help influence a positive decision on NHS pay .
If you have a problem at work , we are there to help
Anyone can face problems at work , but as a member of RCOT , you don ’ t have to face them alone . Whether it ’ s about bullying , duty rotas , flexible working , annual leave or sickness procedures , a representative is on hand to help , wherever you work . We are also there to support in you case of disciplinary action , dismissal or redundancy .
For help and advice at work – or to find out more about Unison services – please contact your local Unison representative or go to :
www . unison . org . uk / get-help /.
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6 OTnews December 2020