UNISON comments on Andy Burnham’s speech at its health conference

UNISON News

Speaking at UNISON’s annual health conference in Liverpool today (Wednesday) Andy Burnham shared Labour’s vision for the NHS and said the National Health Service couldn’t survive another five years of a Conservative government.

In his speech, Andy Burnham said that if elected in May, a Labour government would protect unsocial hours payments and cut the agency bill by developing a proper workforce strategy – all hot topics debated at the union’s conference this week.

UNISON head of health, Christina McAnea, said: “It is refreshing to hear a politician speak so honestly about supporting the NHS workforce and recognising their critical role in caring for patients and their families.

“Unlike the Tories, Labour has committed to protect unsocial hours payments, cut the huge agency staff bill and stop selling off our NHS – all issues – our members feel strongly about.

“Now is time for a change. Time for a government that values workers and is committed to restoring NHS pay to a fair level, equipping the health service with enough staff so wards are safe and focusing on patients, rather than profits.

“My strong advice to health workers is that if you care about the NHS, vote for the NHS on 7th May.”

 

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