A NURSE from Colchester has branded Government plans to give NHS staff a 1 per cent pay rise as "absolutely devastating."

The Government has recommended to increase pay for nurses and other healthcare staff by 1 per cent.

The Unite union, which represents tens of thousands of health service staff, has warned of industrial action amid growing anger at the proposals, while the Royal College of Nursing announced it will set up a £35 million industrial action fund in response.

Downing Street has defended the proposal saying it was what was “affordable”.

Holly Turner, a nurse from Colchester, said it is “absolutely devastating to see [the Government] place no value in us whatsoever”.

She said: “Strike action would be a complete last resort for us and it would have to be something that could be planned carefully in order to keep our patients safe because, for all NHS staff, patient safety is priority.

“But long term, if we’re going to keep our patients safe, if we need to take industrial action in order to do that, I think we will.”

She added: “We are exhausted, we are demoralised, we are fed up — but there is also an increased level of anger.”

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Multiple healthcare staff said the proposal would see them take home around £3.50 extra per week.

Health minister Nadine Dorries gave a series of media interviews on Friday defending the Government’s position, saying nurses have received a 12 per cent increase in pay over the last three years and the average nurse’s salary is around £34,000.

Downing Street has also defended the proposed 1 per cent pay rise.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We recognise the impact Covid has had on the NHS and we want to honour this.

“But the pandemic has real consequences and we have done all that we can to protect jobs and save livelihoods.

“The recommended 1% pay rise for NHS staff is what is affordable while acknowledging their work and commitment over the last 12 months.”

At least 1.3 million other public sector staff are due to have their pay frozen for a year.