Home The End of the NHS is nigh

The End of the NHS is nigh

Object

Banner

Production date

13/10/2014

Object number

2014.308

Physical Description

A Unison banner, made by NHS worker Penny Heron, protesting against government cuts to the NHS

Object history

The Unison campaign for the NHS during the strike of 13 October 2014 was
immediate payment of the 1% consolidated sum to everyone, as recommended by the NHS Pay Review Body.

They sought:

•the living wage of £7.65 an hour for low paid staff;
•an above inflation pay rise for 2015-16;
•a commitment to future pay rises that will restore the value of NHS pay.

On 13 October 2014 UNISON head of health Christina McAnea said "We know health workers don’t take strike action lightly or often. The last action over pay was 32 years ago."

Personal experiences

"We went on strike [13th Oct 14] and picketed for fair pay for NHS staff. The National Health Service is something that is important and dear to me, a special institution that should be valued and something that other countries look to positively. There have been so many cuts to it and the public sector recently. Most people in Britain use the NHS at some point and it’s important that it provides a good quality service and accessible to all. Many NHS staff have lost their jobs as a result of cuts including many of my colleagues here in Hackney. Yet the need for health services is increasing. I don’t know anyone who works in the NHS who thinks they’ll make much money from working in it. NHS workers are experiencing more burn out, disillusionment and feeling more devalued than ever it seems. We were only asking for pay that is fair and in line with inflation. Doing something like a strike and protest will hopefully raise awareness. Many members of the public were supportive".

Associated Event

Anti government cuts demonstration

Associated Organisation

Associated Person

Heron, Penny (Made by)

Material

Cardboard

Dimension

Width: 420mm
Height: 590mm

On display?

No

Inscription

The End of the NHS is nigh