“Clapping won’t pay the bills” – GMB nurses out in force in Sheffield to campaign for fairer NHS pay

NHS nurses staged a banner protest in Sheffield this morning as they continue to campaign for ‘fairer pay’.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Nurses from the GMB trade union were out in force at 8.15 at Park Square roundabout in Sheffield this morning, October 7, when they staged a banner protest.

The protest is part of a campaign for a fairer pay for all NHS workers, and is the latest in a series of UK wide demonstrations driven by GMB.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

These demonstrations have taken place across August and September during the summer as pressure mounts on the UK government to reward NHS staff properly for the important work that they do, as ‘clapping won’t pay the bills’.

GMB Protest for NHS pay rise at Park Square roundabout in Sheffield this morning (Wednesday, October 7). Picture Scott MerryleesGMB Protest for NHS pay rise at Park Square roundabout in Sheffield this morning (Wednesday, October 7). Picture Scott Merrylees
GMB Protest for NHS pay rise at Park Square roundabout in Sheffield this morning (Wednesday, October 7). Picture Scott Merrylees

Katherine Mitchell, GMB organiser, said: “The Tory Government wants to reward nurses sacrifice by handclaps.

“Clapping won’t pay the bills or put food on the table for NHS workers who are sinking into poverty after almost decade of real terms pay cuts.”

One of the banners read, 'action for 15 per cent pay rise for all NHS'.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It comes after news that nurses have not had a pay increase in a number of years, which is why GMB Union refused to accept the last three year pay deal which failed to reward the most experienced nurses in the NHS.

GMB was the only health union to reject the NHS pay deal in 2018, which meant that 40 per cent of NHS staff in England at the top of their pay bands saw their wages increase below projected inflation rates.

Nurses, health workers, patients and the public are all expected to back the call in the marches.

Related topics: