28/10/2026
𝗛𝗦𝗖 𝗣𝗔𝗬 – 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗡 𝗡𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥 𝟭𝟬𝘁𝗵
Thousands of UNISON members have responded to our consultation overwhelmingly indicating their readiness to take industrial action. 97% of members who responded said that they are prepared to take industrial action if delays in putting their pay uplifts in place continue.
The message from the members is clear. They will not accept any further delays on their pay. UNISON has commenced the process to enable our members to be balloted, with our ballot due to open on November 10th.
HSC workers in Northern Ireland are still waiting for the commitments that have been made on the 3.3% pay uplift for 2026/27 and on the Real Living Wage to be implemented. The NHS workforce in England received the 3.3% pay uplift in April and pay parity has once again been broken. Commitments made on pay must be honoured.
This result sends a powerful message about the strength of feeling among health and social services workers and their growing frustration over continued delays on their pay.
The workforce cannot be expected to wait any longer whilst the budget stalemate between the Secretary of State and the Executive continues. The Health Minister, wider NI Executive and Secretary of State must hear the clear message from our members and act to put pay right.
