UNDERPAID NHS staff are being forced to work long extra shifts and rely on credit cards, according to Unison research.

A survey of more than 3,000 staff found the government’s failure to reform NHS pay was “demoralising” the workforce, with salaries barely covering essential outgoings while supermarkets pay higher wages.

A NHS manager told the survey: “I have three degrees and would be paid double if I was working in industry. I’m also a line and team manager and can see this is negatively affecting staff morale.”

One health service housekeeper surveyed said: “I’ve considered leaving the NHS to get a job in Aldi or Lidl. That way, you’re not under the same pressures you experience in the NHS due to staff cuts. And they get paid a lot more than NHS workers.”

A radiographer said: “I’m not living, I’m surviving. Every month I have more outgoings than income when it comes to my salary. I don’t even have enough money to put away for an emergency fund or retirement. NHS pay is the biggest joke ever.” 

The system was also deterring staff from taking promotions that are not financially worthwhile, the union said.

The report was released at Unison annual conference in Brighton today.

Unison head of health Helga Pile said that it “paints a worrying picture of a demoralised workforce stretched to the limit and struggling to pay the bills.

“Staff are exhausted, financially insecure and uncertain about a long-term future in the NHS.”

The union called on ministers to include reforms to modernise the NHS pay system in the forthcoming 10-year NHS workforce plan.