UNITE union members working for the NHS began balloting on a new pay deal today.

Bosses have proposed a three-year deal worth 6.5 per cent for many staff. The union, which  has 100,000 members working for the NHS, is recommending acceptance.

Unite national officer for health Sarah Carpenter said: “We are urging our members to turn out to vote in big numbers to accept the package that was hammered out after some tough negotiations.

“Unite welcomes many aspects of this deal. However, we regard this as the start, not the end, of the journey for true pay justice for NHS staff, which we will continue to campaign for with energy in the coming months and years.

“After eight years of pay austerity, this package is a significant recognition that the harsh pay regime imposed on hardworking and dedicated NHS staff could no longer be sustained.”