NI Health Minister welcomes positive trade union response to his pay settlement proposals

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed a positive trade union response to his pay settlement proposals.

“The proposed enhanced offers I made last week will mirror the value of the increases in England, albeit in two tranches due to ongoing pressures on my Department's budget.

“I was extremely keen that health workers would not have to go through Christmas thinking they might need to take industrial action to get their pay awards.

“Like the unions, I am disappointed we couldn't get to this point in a quicker, cleaner manner.

“I regret that this year's pay process has been so elongated and complicated. I am determined to avoid a repetition of this situation in future years.

“I believe a pay settlement is good news for health staff, good news for patients and good news for all those who care about our health service. Winter pressures are escalating once again and I owed it to staff to do all in my power to get a decent deal over the line.”