Endemic low pay threatens future of NHS, says union boss

NHS staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, excluding doctors and dentists whose pay is assessed separately, have been offered a pay rise of £1,400 a year. Photograph: Victoria Jones/PA

Endemic low pay represents a threat to the very future of the NHS, the head of the biggest union representing health staff has warned ahead of an expected wave of strike action this winter.

While strike action over pay was “not inevitable”, it appeared likely, said Christina McAnea, the general secretary of Unison. A formal ballot of staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland opens later this month, while the process is ongoing in Scotland.