Boris Johnson’s decision on Thursday to step down as prime minister – and a series of changes to his cabinet – have left public sector workers increasingly fearful that overdue pay rises will be pushed back to the autumn. Even before the Johnson government collapsed last week, unions were already on a collision course with her over the extent of any pay rise – and were warning of possible strike action if their demands were not met. Teachers, NHS workers and others in the public sector are demanding rises of at least the rate of inflation – currently 9.1% – while ministers insisted the pay hold was necessary because the Treasury must rein in spending and curb inflation. Now, however, there is concern that the already delayed pay process, including consultations with unions, will be further delayed, meaning many workers will quit in frustration. The impasse over pay – and threats of strikes – will be one of the most pressing issues facing the government as the Conservative party prepares to choose a new leader and prime minister. On Saturday, the country’s biggest union, Unison, said it had written to the new health secretary, Stephen Barclay, asking to see the yet-to-be-published recommendations of the NHS pay review body. He also repeated warnings of possible industrial action unless quick progress is made. Unison’s head of health, Sara Gorton, said: “The government’s leadership vacuum is no excuse for further delay in getting NHS pay right. The government is already months behind its own schedule. Rising costs are having a terrible effect on staff and helping them should be at the top of the priority list for the new Secretary of State, not an afterthought.” In her letter to Barclay, Gorton added: “Ambitious targets to reduce waiting times and lift outstanding backlogs will not be achieved without urgent pay action from you to prevent people leaving the health service. “NHS staff cannot afford to wait for the leadership issues in your party to be sorted out before you announce your salary position. I will be talking to other unions about coordinating our plans, including advisory ballot options for inactivity. “Payment is vital to ensure the NHS is properly staffed and able to provide the care patients need. Delivering a proper salary will show that ministers are serious about protecting the health service and the millions who rely on it.” Patrick Roach, general secretary of the National Union of Women Teachers, also wrote to the new education secretary, James Cleverley, calling for the review panel’s recommendations for teachers to be published. Roach said it is necessary to reach an agreement as soon as possible so that teachers are not out of the profession before the start of the new school year. “What is important is that the process does not get into the long grass. We need to ensure that there is full consultation and that teachers get what they deserve.” TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “The government may be in disarray but ministers must not lose sight of the cost of living crisis facing working people. Britain needs a pay rise now.”
