Disillusioned members of NHS staff gathered outside Colchester Hospital on Friday morning in protest against a Government decision to delay a pay increase for health workers.

NHS employees say the three per cent wage increase – which has been delayed until at least next month – represents a real-terms salary cut due to rising inflation and the cost-of-living crisis.

Just under 20 NHS workers, who are part of the public service union Unison, staged their protest in a bid to raise awareness about the delay in the wage increase, before the staff then met to discuss the next steps in their pay campaign.

Both Unison and other health unions have written to the NHS pay review body to explain how a pay rise above the current level of inflation is required to shield NHS key workers from the cost-of-living crisis.

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A survey from Unison last week found that 48 per cent of health workers are considering their position due to low pay, with research by the union showing Aldi and Amazon employees are often on higher wages than many health workers.

Unison eastern head of health Sasha Savage warned a further delay in wage increases could force many employees to quit.

He said: “Staff should have been looking forward to seeing more money in their wage packets today but Government dawdling has delayed their pay rise.

“They mustn’t be left waiting in the dark like last year - especially with the cost of living rising by the minute.

“Any further delay will leave many have to make the choice between feding their families and quitting for better pay elsewhere.

n response to the criticism about the cost-of-living crisis, a Government spokesman said money was being set aside to help people with the cost of their energy bills.

He said: “We’re increasing the national insurance thresholds, saving a typical employee over £330 a year and we’ve put in place a £9.1 billion package to help households with rising energy bills.”