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Helen Whyley, RCN Director for Wales said:

ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥œI am pleased to announce that following our membersÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥™ votes to reject a pay award on Tuesday this week, the Welsh Government has re-opened negotiations with RCN Wales regarding pay, terms and conditions for nursing staff. Detailed negotiations are set to commence next week.

ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥œThe Minister for Health and Social ServicesÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥™ confirmed this course of action following our request for urgent re-commencement of negotiations this week. Once again, our members have sent a message that is loud, clear and strong enough to bring the Government back to the table.

The Minister acknowledges the RCN's rejection of the additional offer alongside the wider NHS Wales Trade Union Group narrow majority to accept.

ENDS.

Notes to Editors

The Welsh government put forward an additional pay offer of 3%, of which 1.5% is consolidated (carried over into future pay awards) and 1.5% is unconsolidated (a lump sum in 2022/23 only). This offer would be backdated to April 2022 and is additional to the Pay Review Body recommendations for 2022/23 which have already been implemented in full. Included in this revised package are several non-pay commitments. .

RCN Wales opened a consultative ballot to members working on Agenda for Change contracts in NHS Wales between 10-27 February. Members were asked whether they accept or reject the Welsh governmentÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥™s offer. The majority of members voted to reject the offer.

The ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interests of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.

For more information, contact the RCN Wales press office at 02920 680 769 or email mediawales@rcn.org.uk