RCM Wales welcomes bonus payment for members in recognition of pandemic work

on 22 March 2021 Pay NHS Pay Review Body Wales RCM Wales Covid-19

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed an announcement by the Welsh Government that midwives, maternity support workers and NHS and social care staff are to receive a bonus payment in recognition of their work during the coronavirus pandemic.

The bonus payment of £750 (gross, £500 after tax and deductions) will be paid to NHS staff. The date for the payment has not been set but is expected in late Spring or early Summer.. Student midwives who were employed in the NHS during the pandemic will also be eligible for the payment.

Crucially the Health Minster for Wales Vaughan Gething has said the bonus was "not instead of a real pay rise".

Responding to the news, RCM’s Director of Wales, Helen Rogers, said:

“The RCM really welcomes this announcement. Maternity staff have worked incredibly hard over the past year, often in the face of staffing shortages due to colleagues being ill themselves from COVID-19. The contribution and commitment of our members during this pandemic has ensured that women and their families continued to receive good maternity care, so I know this recognition will be appreciated.

“Welsh Government have also confirmed that this bonus payment is not instead of a real pay rise. The 1% percent pay rise for all NHS staff proposed by the UK Government is not good enough. We will continue to lobby and campaign on behalf of all our members to ensure they receive a decent pay rise for their work and dedication to caring for women, their babies and families.”

Unlike the UK National Government, the Welsh Government has agreed to await the recommendation of the NHS Pay Review Body prior to making a pay offer for NHS staff in Wales.

Read more about the RCM’s Pay Campaign – Deliver a Decent Deal here: https://www.rcm.org.uk/pay-hub/.

RCM calls Government NHS pay proposal ‘an absolute insult’ https://www.rcm.org.uk/media-releases/2021/january/rcm-calls-government-nhs-pay-proposal-an-absolute-insult/.