Leeds nurses and NHS workers organise protest over lack of pay rise

The Government has announced an above-inflation pay rise for 900,000 public sector workers, including teachers and doctors.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said public sector workers had made a "vital contribution" to the country during the coronavirus pandemic.

But nurses are not included in the pay rise as a separate three-year pay deal was negotiated in 2018.

Members of 13 unions representing hospital cleaners, nurses, security guards, physiotherapists, emergency call handlers, paramedics, midwives, radiographers and other NHS staff across England voted to accept the deal.

These workers will not receive an additional pay rise this year.

Tens of thousands of nurses and NHS workers have joined a national campaign against the 'pay inequality.

Peaceful protests have been organised across the country at 11am on Saturday, August 8.

Nurses, NHS workers and supporters will march through Leeds, starting outside the Black Prince pub at City Square and ending at Millennium Square.

Protesters say they will maintain social distancing and wear masks.

Mandy Bellfield, 58, has worked as a nurse in Leeds for more than 40 years and will be attending the march.

She said: "Like all of my colleagues I am appalled that my profession and other members of the NHS family will not receive a pay rise this year. We don't feel valued.

"A lot of my colleagues on the frontline have had first-hand experience of the pandemic. We're all angry and frustrated at the Government.

"We've had so much support from the public. Anyone from the general public can come down to support us on the march, the more then better."

A message from the Editor:

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890.

We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds. https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/why-yorkshire-evening-post-needs-your-support-laura-collins-yep-editor-2913382 Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe. For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you

Laura Collins Editor