Without new funding ‘productivity improvements’ just looks like code for cuts to jobs and services. Comment Kevin Brandstatter, GMB National Officer.

GMB, the union for NHS staff, has slammed Jeremy Hunt’s pay cap announcement today as nothing more than a ‘con trick’. The health secretary told MPs the NHS pay cap has been scrapped, but was unable to rule out cutting health services to fund rises above one percent. He added the “latitude” provided to him by Chancellor Philip Hammond was partly linked to “productivity improvements” which will be negotiated at the same time.

Kevin Brandstatter, GMB National Officer, said: “If there is no new money then it’s a con trick to claim that the pay cap has ended. Without new funding ‘productivity improvements’ just looks like code for cuts to jobs and services.

“Staff are struggling to cope as it is. The NHS is in a desperate state as demand spirals and jobs losses could push it over the edge. “If Jeremy Hunt is serious about increasing productivity he should urgently talk to the workforce about the investment that’s urgently needed in facilities and training – otherwise patients’ could be put at risk.”