THE next government is being urged to hold talks on nurses’ pay immediately after the election to avoid a worsening delay in a wage rise.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) warned of a six-month delay to this year’s NHS pay increase if negotiations are not held in the weeks after the election.

The pay award could be delayed until parliament sits again in September, reaching bank accounts only from November, according to the RCN.

RCN acting general secretary Professor Nicola Ranger made the call in her keynote speech at the college’s annual congress in Newport, south Wales, today.

The RCN published its election manifesto with several recommendations, including a “substantial” pay rise for nursing staff, an end to patients being treated in corridors, safety-critical staffing ratios, changes to immigration law to allow families to remain united and protections for staff raising concerns.

Prof Ranger said: “Ministers must negotiate through the summer to get a deal done quickly. NHS workers deserve a fair award and it is unfair to keep them guessing.

“Whoever the prime minister and health secretary will be, can meet and negotiate.

“Long delays and disappointing awards would fail to move the debate on from the last two years.”