Nurses leader sees optimism over Rishi Sunak talks

• PM Rishi Sunak has offered a “chink of optimism” over nurses’ pay talks.
• The RCN claims the amount is insufficient to offset the rising cost of living.
• Striking nurses are scheduled to get an average 4.75% pay increase in 2022–2023.

Rishi Sunak‘s openness to talks has offered a “chink of optimism” that a deal can be reached over nurses’ pay, the head of the nursing union has said.

The prime minister told the Laura Kuenssberg he was open to a pay deal that is “responsible” and “affordable”.

Pat Cullen, general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said: “The prime minister talked about coming to the table. Now that’s a move for me.”

However, she stated that while the compensation for this year was still in question, strikes will continue.

The government has only agreed to talk about a settlement for the upcoming fiscal year, but the health secretary is scheduled to meet with unions on Monday.

For the current year, 2022–2023, nurses are already scheduled to get an average 4.75% pay increase. This is in accordance with the independent NHS Pay Review Body’s suggestion from July, but the RCN claims the amount is insufficient to offset the rising cost of living.

When asked if he would be willing to discuss nurses’ compensation for this year during an interview for the Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg program, Mr. Sunak said yes.

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