Yesterday it was announced that public sector workers would receive a pay rise.
Doctors, nurses, teachers, police officers and more are now threatening to strike after being given the pay increase which was much less than than the rate of inflation. Ministers announced the pay rises on Tuesday, with NHS staff receiving a rise of at least 4.5%, teachers at least 5% and £1,900 for police officers - The rate of inflation is current 9.1% but expected to rise to 11% later in the year.
Today, Good Morning Britain's health editor, Dr Hilary, appeared on the ITV show to discuss the changes in pay. He said that NHS workers struggling 'isn't right' and the government are 'blackmailing' the workers.
READ MORE: Full list of public sector jobs set for pay announcement today including nurses and teachers
Speaking to hosts Ed Ball and Ranvir Singh, the doctor said: "We've got nurses and key workers who are dependant on taking out loans and using food banks just to survive. That can not be right.
"We're not going to resolve the recruitment and retention crisis and staff shortage crisis that we have currently got. We're not going to be recognising their skills and we have to give them a decent wage."
He added: "There's a bit of blackmail going on about 'if we give you more money out of the existing NHS budget it means more patients will suffer'. That's just blackmail. You've got to separate the two things, you know, pay them the wage that they deserve and then sort out patients safety and standards for patients as well."
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