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Group highlights need for better NHS salaries

Better rates of pay are needed for those working in the healthcare sector because job satisfaction alone does not "put food on the table", according to one group.

Unison has discussed the results of an NHS staff survey which found that although 80 per cent of respondents find their job interesting, 66 per cent are unhappy with the low rates of pay.

The group furthers that although job satisfaction is rising, working in the NHS is emotionally, physically and mentally demanding and salaries should reflect the long hours many staff put it.

Karen Jennings, head of health at Unison, said: "There are no perks or bonuses in the NHS so to attract and retain staff their wages should reflect the valuable work they do."

The NHS staff survey also revealed that 90 per cent of employees feel that their role makes a difference to patients.