NURSES in Wales rejected the Welsh government’s 5.5 per cent pay rise, with three-quarters saying no yesterday.

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) members in Wales who took part in the consultation voted by 72 per cent to reject the 2024-25 pay increase.

First Minister Eluned Morgan announced the pay award in September, with the 5.5 per cent increase expected to be paid in November salaries.

RCN Wales’ Helen Whyley called on Health Secretary Wes Streeting to enter urgent talks to restore pay levels for nurses.

She said: “After years of underpayment, this award fails to match the safety-critical nature of their work and the extensive skills they bring to the NHS.”

The Welsh government said: “We accepted the independent pay review body recommendations for NHS Agenda for Change staff in full.

“We continue to work with the UK government on how to progress the recommendation on Agenda for Change pay structures.”