Thousands of Oldham's hero Key workers hit by 'real terms' pay cut after pandemic.

Nurses pay will be among Key workers affected

Thousands of key workers are facing a 'real terms' pay cut this year, despite tackling the pandemic and being on the frontline to help keep the country going, according to MP Jim McMahon. 

This includes at least 9,300 key workers in Oldham West and Royton – the nurses, teachers, police officers and Armed Forces personnel who've been essential in the battle against Covid-19.

MP Jim McMahon said: “Frontline key-workers have literally risked their lives keeping our country going throughout the pandemic and now the Chancellor is effectively rewarding them with a pay-cut.”

New analysis by Labour reveals that Chancellor Rishi Sunak's budget announcement last week, will hit NHS heroes with an effective pay cut, compared to the rate of inflation. 

This comes after the Chancellor announced a ‘pay freeze’ for all other public sector workers earning above £24,000 in 2021-22. Those earning less than £24,000 were promised “a fixed increase of £250”.

Taking into account inflation over the next fiscal year, that means every non-NHS public sector worker earning over £18,000 will also get a real terms pay cut.

On top of the pay freeze, the Budget also confirmed a cut to Universal Credit in six months that will hit those who are struggling. 

Jim McMahon added: “Not only is it morally wrong it makes no economic sense, families having less money to spend means local business will suffer and our wider economy will take longer to recover.”

“The NHS boss Simon Stevens confirmed that our wonderful NHS workers had been in line for a pay-rise, more than double what the government are now offering.”

“It’s wrong, and it shows that this Government’s priorities are out of touch with working people across Chadderton, Oldham and Royton.

"The Government have to rethink this and cancel plans to cut pay for nurses, police officers and teachers."

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.