GMB members working in the NHS and ambulance service have demanded a pay rise and free staff parking as part of the 2024/25 pay deal.

The flat rate increase of £1.50 per hour would mean a 13 per cent pay rise for the lowest paid, while GMB research shows NHS trusts trousered £46 million from staff parking in 2022/23.

Measures on ambulance retirement age and safe staffing levels are also included in the claim [see notes for full list of demands].

More than 13,000 GMB ambulance workers took part in multiple strike days last year, eventually winning themselves an above inflation pay rise from the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).

GMB Union has now refused to engage with the NHS Pay Review Body until it is reformed - questioning the body’s independence from the Government.

As a result, GMB members’ pay claim will be delivered directly to DHSC.

Rachel Harrison, GMB National Secretary, said:

“GMB will not engage with the NHS Pay Review Body process until it has been significantly reformed – with NHS and ambulance workers confident it's truly independent.

“After extensive consultation with members, GMB have today submitted a pay claim directly to Government and asked for pay negotiations.

“We now await the Secretary of State’s response.” 

ENDS

Media enquiries: GMB Press Office on 07958 156846 or at [email protected]

Notes to Editors:

Full details of pay claim for England only:

• £1.50 per hour consolidated increase for all staff on Agenda for Change contracts (or RPI, whichever is greater)
• Restorative Pay: A commitment to restore lost earnings and conditions and a plan on how this will be achieved.
• Measures to ensure the NHS never falls below the Foundation Living Wage.
• Unsocial Hours Enhancements: All changes made under the 2018 pay settlement are reversed, including the application of Annex 5 for all ambulance service workers.
• Ambulance Retirement Age: An urgent review into the retirement age of ambulance service workers with a view to lowering the retirement age to 60, in line with other emergency service workers.
• Free NHS Car Parking: Restore funding for NHS trusts to provide parking at no cost for NHS workers.
• Immediate action to rectify Job Evaluation and Equal Pay issues.
• Safe Staffing Levels.