Nurses' pay rise claim rejected

Jersey nursing unions' claim for a 8.4% pay increase has been rejected by the States Employment Board.

The Royal College of Nursing and the Jersey Nursing Association unions made the claim on behalf of about 1,300 nurses and other health workers.

Unions say nurses' pay is falling behind their UK counterparts, making recruitment difficult. Nurses are to discuss the States decision on Tuesday.

The board says nurses will be given the same 2.4% rise as other States groups.

The body, which sets States workers' pay, is offering a rise of 2.4% for one year or 2.5% over two years.

Mick Pinel, who deals with employee relations at the Chief Minister's Department, said although the pay gap with the UK had narrowed, they were still paid more than other workers, and any issues of recruitment should be dealt with seperately.

Members of the Royal College of Nursing are to meet on Tuesday night to discuss their next step.