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Northern Ireland midwives vote yes to pay offer

on 24 February 2020 Director For Northern Ireland Pay and Agenda For Change Northern Ireland RCM Northern Ireland

Royal College of Midwives (RCM) members in Northern Ireland have voted overwhelmingly to accept the framework agreement negotiated by the RCM and other unions for HSC staff.

The RCM’s Northern Ireland Director, Karen Murray, said:

"We fought for this positive framework agreement for our members and negotiated hard for pay parity with our colleagues in England and we got it. Our members have now voted to accept it. This is a significant victory for midwives, maternity support workers and their colleagues.”

The RCM’s consultation saw 94 per cent of RCM members taking part vote to accept the deal which will be backdated to 1 April 2019. It also means starting salaries for midwives after qualifying will be higher and staff will move through pay bands faster.

Karen Murray added: “It is a testament to the commitment and combined strength of our members that we have been able to get this deal for them so quickly after the return of government in Northern Ireland. We will now be working with the Department of Health to get this well-deserved pay award into our members’ pay packets as soon as possible. This shows our politicians value midwives and are prepared to invest in them. Staff who are valued and supported deliver better care, which is ultimately what we are all here to do for women, babies and their families.”

ENDS

To contact the RCM Media Office call 020 7312 3456, or email [email protected].  

Notes to editors

The RCM’s consultation with its members in Northern Ireland was done via an online form, circulated to members via the RCM website, emails to members and social media. For more information and FAQs on the pay deal see https://www.rcm.org.uk/supporting/fair-pay-overdue-in-northern-ireland/.

The RCM is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website at https://www.rcm.org.uk/.

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