Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
Unions threaten industrial action against public-sector pay freeze
NHS staff and supporters protest outside BBC Broadcasting House, in central London, as part of a series of marches and rallies form across the country calling for a 15% pay rise for NHS workers and an increase in NHS funding in September

THE government is facing the threat of industrial action if it attempts to freeze the wages of millions of public sector workers, unions warned today. 

Their stark message came as Chancellor Rishi Sunak was reportedly preparing to announce a new freeze on public-sector pay in next week’s spending review, in response to the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

A freeze would be a kick in the teeth for key workers clapped by ministers for keeping the country running during the pandemic and a provocation to unions representing NHS workers such as Unison, GMB and the Royal College of Nursing, which have called for pay increases to reflect years of real-terms decline.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Burnham submarine
Features / 31 July 2026
31 July 2026

Burnham’s billions for defence while councils and local services struggle will not deliver the change that Britain’s working-class communities need, says MICAELA TRACEY-RAMOS

Prime Minister Andy Burnham (centre) during a National Economic Council meeting at No 10 North, located in Heron House, central Manchester. Mr Burnham has said No 10 North is
Politics / 27 July 2026
27 July 2026

Burnham urged to create publicly-provided national care service before the end of the parliament, and to keep his promise to ditch neoliberalism

Andy Burnham after officially being confirmed as the new leader of the Labour Party, at a special conference held at the Trades Union Congress, in central London. The former Greater Manchester mayor, who returned to Westminster last month as Makerfield MP, will take over as prime minister and enter No 10 on Monday. Picture date: Friday July 17, 2026
Labour leadership / 21 July 2026
21 July 2026

Unison national officer CLARE WILLIAMS spoke to the Morning Star about the union’s priority campaigns and why they will not let up just because the Prime Minister has changed

Rockstar Games workers
Workers' Rights / 14 July 2026
14 July 2026

Strike Map co-founder HENRY FOWLER discusses the significance of today’s joint union letter to video game giant Rockstar, demanding trade union recognition for its workers. Their conversation highlights how our movement can harness its collective power to rebuild union power across the private sector