Meanwhile, back at the RCN …

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has launched its Fair Pay for Nursing campaign. During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses in particular have been the key health professionals on the front line, striving to save lives and playing a crucial role in controlling the pandemic.

The RCN's campaign concerns more than the response to COVID-19. It aims to secure a fully funded 12.5% pay increase for all nursing staff covered by Agenda for Change terms, as part of a 1-year deal that applies equally to all bands. It will also demonstrate how the UK Government will respond, indicating what it believes nursing colleagues across the country are worth. To face any government with a sense of determination, conviction and commitment, a strong and united union and professional body is what is needed. Right now we could be in the driving seat.

RCN president and deputy president elections were taking place recently, but the campaign has now been stopped after two of the four candidates for the position of president were disqualified. One of the disqualified candidates is the current president, who was running for re-election.