1,500 protestors take to the streets of Chesterfield over NHS pay inequality

The event was one of a number of protests being held across the country this weekend, organised by national movement ‘NHS Workers Say No to Public Sector Pay Inequality.’

It follows an announcement by the government last month, that an above-inflation pay rise will be given to nearly one million public sector workers, including teachers, doctors and dentists.

But nurses, midwives and hospital cleaners are among those who are controversially not included in that wage rise, as they are already part of the Agenda for Change – a separate three-year pay deal which ends next April.

Campaigners are now calling on the government to bring forward pay negotiations and to implement a 15 per cent wage rise for AfC workers.

Matt Tacey, a lead nurse who organised the event in Chesterfield, said: “It’s been a lot of hard work, but seeing the turnout today has made it all worth it, I’m really impressed, and feel quite emotional about the number of people here.”

Matt, who helped to lead the march with wife Nicole - also a nurse - and seven-year-old daughter Savannah by his side, added: “My intention wasn’t initially to create a protest, I just set up a Facebook page for my colleagues, because I was seeing a lot of feelings on social media, from those working in the NHS, that were similar to mine - anger, frustration, sadness.

“Within 24 hours of setting it up, we had 300 members, and now there are over 1,500 today with a clear message for our government.

“For years, NHS staff have felt ignored, unappreciated and silenced by our government.

“Our NHS staff have fought tirelessly to ensure we win the war against Covid-19, with many losing family, friends and colleagues.

“We are underpaid, under-resourced and overworked.

“We were there for you, now will you be there for us?”

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “We are committed to supporting the entire NHS and social care workforce.

“We are incredibly grateful for all their hard work and dedication during the pandemic and we will continue to ensure all staff are rewarded fairly.”

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