The British health unions, which represent the majority of workers in the National Health System (NHS), approved today the government’s proposal for wage increases.

The proposal concerns nursing and paramedical staff, as well as midwives and other categories of workers in England.

It contains the lump sum payment equal to 2% of salary for the financial year 2022/23 and a 5% salary increase for 2023/24.

It was accepted by the largest union, Unison, as well as three other smaller unions, but others such as Unite and the Royal College of Nursing rejected it and plan to continue strike action mobilizations.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay said the proposal was final and the fact that it was approved by the NHS Staff Council, which includes representatives from employers and trade unions, showed the majority thought it was “fair and reasonable”.

“Now, my intention is to implement it”, emphasized the minister. “Although some unions may choose to continue (the strike) we hope that their members (…) will recognize that it is a fair result, supported by their colleagues, and will decide that the time has come to end the mobilisations,” he added.