LONDON — Nurses in the UK have overwhelmingly rejected the government’s offer of a 5.5% pay rise, as announced by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).

Two-thirds of RCN members voted against the proposed increase, with polling turnout reaching a record high. The pay rise, confirmed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on July 29, was set to take effect next month.

In response to the vote, RCN General Secretary Nicola Ranger expressed the growing frustration among nursing staff, noting a "fundamental shift" in their resolve to "stand up for themselves." In a letter to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Ranger highlighted the discontent felt by nurses after more than a decade of "neglect."

While some within the profession acknowledge the government's recent commitment to NHS reforms, Ranger emphasized that workers must "feel valued" to successfully "raise standards and reform" the health system.

"This outcome shows their expectations of government are far higher," she said, reflecting a broad sentiment that the proposed pay increase does not adequately address long-standing issues. The RCN noted that the pay of an experienced nurse has diminished by 25% in real terms under Conservative governments from 2010 to 2024. — Agencies