Thank you for contacting me about pay for staff outside the NHS Agenda for Change scheme – consultants, doctors and dentists.
I believe that the passion, commitment, and specialist knowledge of our NHS staff is part of what makes our NHS so special. In particular, I recognise the sacrifice, commitment and dedication of our NHS workers over the past year. I believe it is important to honour this, but I know that the pandemic has had real consequences on public finances which cannot be ignored.
I fully support the Government's announcement last year of a pay rise of 2.8 per cent for doctors and dentists, backdated to April 2020, in line with the recommendations of the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration. This pay rise is an important acknowledgment of the commitment and hard work of staff throughout this difficult time. I am assured that the Government is working to deliver as much as it can in NHS pay rises.
I also welcome the investment that the Government has already made in the NHS workforce, including £513m in professional development and increased recruitment, £30m on staff mental health support including wellbeing hubs and occupational health support, and the new bursary programme giving at least £5,000 each year to new nursing, midwifery, and Allied Health professional students.
I will, of course, continue to monitor this issue closely, and thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Craig Whittaker MP
April 2021