NHS PAY REVIEW

That this House is fully aware of the Independent Pay Review Body's decision on NHS pay for the year 2007-08, which recommended a 2.5 per cent. increase from 1st April; notes that the Review Body arrived at its decision after much deliberation, following evidence given by, amongst others, the Department of Health, NHS employers and trades unions; and is therefore disappointed with the Government's announced intention that, unlike its Scottish counterparts, it is to stage the award in two payments, namely 1.5 per cent. on 1st April, with a further 1 per cent. in November, thereby reducing its worth to only 1.9 per cent.; and calls upon the Government to stop such an unacceptable practice forthwith and instead to honour its obligations to the dedicated and loyal staff of the NHS.