Jersey nurses unions 'angry' at pay deal

Two nurses unions say they are angry at the latest pay offer from the States of Jersey.

It follows a meeting of Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and Jersey Nursing Association members to discuss the States Employment Board's (SEB) offer.

Kenny McNeil, RCN Jersey chairman, said the board did not seem to be aiming to resolve the issues.

He said: "An offer to narrow the pay gap by 2% on average over three years falls short of real commitment."

The final pay offer included a 1% lump sum in 2012, a 3% wage increase in 2013 and a 4% pay rise in 2014.

In a joint statement the unions said that despite the board acknowledging a disparity in pay between nurses and other health workers, such as occupational therapists and pharmacists, it had not been dealt with.

They also said they were against proposed changes to terms and conditions and allowances.

Pat Devine, Jersey Nursing Association chairman, said: "The proposed changes to the telephone and mileage allowance are also unacceptable.

"These costs are continuing to increase and our members do not believe they should have to pay to do their jobs when there is no equity in pay with other professionals working in comparable roles in Jersey Heath and Social Services."

The Royal College of Midwives is still discussing the matter with its members.