Student nurses across Lincolnshire have been called up to help in the Covid19 response – never has the healthcare system across the country faced such a significant challenge.
However, student nurses who have offered to work as part of the response to the pandemic at St Barnabas Hospice in Lincolnshire were told this would not be paid. Colleagues in NHS employers would be paid for the work they undertook which created a clear disparity for those working in the private sector.
UNISON intervened immediately on this being reported from a number of members at St Barnabas. We have now reached an agreement with St Barnabas that will see all student nurses at the organisation be paid the same rates of pay as student nurses in the NHS.
Commenting on the victory Elliot Dean UNISON East Midlands regional organiser said:
“Student nurses have been incredible in offering to work on the front line in this national pandemic. However, it is only fair that all student nurses undertaking work are paid fairly for their contribution. We welcome the fact that St Barnabas have seen sense and will pay all student nurses fairly for the hard work they are undertaking.”
