NHS UNISON members have voted 2 to 1 to accept the  revised pay offer.

Karen Jennings, UNISON Head of Health, said:

“I believe that workers in the health service deserve better - however UNISON said that the revised offer was the best that could be achieved through negotiation, and the result shows that members recognised that fact.

“We are now putting together our evidence for next year’s pay round and we will be making a strong case for a catch-up award. I don’t believe health workers will accept a below inflation pay increase for two years running. The latest statistics show that pay growth in the public sector has fallen to its lowest for a decade.

The new pay package is worth 3.4% to the lowest paid. Many staff in the ambulance service will not benefit from this aspect of the deal. There is additional money targeted at training plus a £38 contribution towards professional fees for Paramedics.

Details of the offer include:

- From 1st November a £400 flat rate increase for those on Bands 1 and 2. Those on Bands 3 and 4 get additional £38 as well as the 2.5%.

- In England only, additional money for staff training targeted directly on non-clinical staff who often lose out when training budgets are cut.

- In England, there will be £38 paid to staff on Bands 5-8(a) who are required to register to practice. This includes Paramedics and is intended as a contribution towards professional fees.