Ambulance Service Staff: Your Voice is Vital – Vote in the Ballot for Fair Pay for All NHS Workers!

Ambulance Service Staff: Your Voice is Vital – Vote in the Ballot for Fair Pay for All NHS Workers!

Shortly you will be receiving your electronic consultative ballot regarding the lack of a pay offer in England. We call on our members to respond to this vital ballot. You should receive this commencing Monday 14th April.

Our dedicated members perform a wide range of critical roles that are essential to the successful ambulance service’s operation. Whether directly involved in patient care or providing essential support to ensure high-quality care, every role is vital. Without these dedicated individuals, the ambulance service would not function. However, dedication alone cannot sustain a workforce facing real-term pay cuts, escalating workloads, and the rising cost of living.

The recent announcement of a pay rise for NHS staff in Scotland underscores the power of collective bargaining and the recognition that fair compensation is essential. In contrast, the current pay offer for NHS staff in England falls significantly short, failing to address the pressing issues that affect us all.

Why This Matters to Ambulance Service Staff:

  • Retention and Recruitment: Competitive pay is crucial to retain experienced staff and attract new talent to our ranks.
  • Staff Morale: Fair compensation directly impacts morale, reducing burnout and ensuring high-quality patient care.
  • Service Sustainability: Adequate pay and conditions are vital for the long-term sustainability of our services, ensuring we can meet public health demands effectively.

UNISON’s Core Objectives for NHS Pay:

UNISON’s roadmap to the negotiating table is clear: the NHS pay issue is overdue and requires immediate attention. We are calling for:

  • A Proper Pay Rise: We need a significant real-terms improvement in pay, above inflation, to restore the value of wages and eliminate poverty pay from the NHS. Fair pay reforms must ensure that staff see a real difference in their pay as they progress or get promoted.
  • The Right Banding: Annual role and pay band reviews should be mandatory for all staff, ensuring they are paid at the right rate for their job. This requires national investment to ensure fair, timely, and effective job evaluation processes across all NHS trusts.
  • A Shorter Working Week: UNISON’s ambition is to negotiate a reduced working week within the NHS with no loss of pay. This initiative is aimed at improving work-life balance, reducing burnout, and keeping staff in their roles.

Your Action is Needed:

We are preparing to launch a consultative ballot to determine our collective response to the current pay offer. This is your opportunity to stand united and demand the pay, recognition, and conditions we rightfully deserve.

What You Can Do:

  1. Ensure Your Details Are Up-to-Date: Verify your contact information with UNISON to receive your ballot promptly.
  2. Vote YES: Support taking action for fair pay by voting in the indicative ballot.
  3. Engage with Colleagues: Discuss the importance of this ballot and encourage participation to amplify our collective voice.

This decision is not made lightly, but after years of being undervalued and underpaid, it is time to act. A strong turnout will send a clear message to policymakers about the necessity of addressing our concerns.

Stay Informed and Connected:

Together, we can advocate for the recognition and remuneration that all NHS staff, particularly those in the ambulance service, rightfully deserve.

Your Vote is Your Voice. Use It!

Posted: 11th April 2025

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