Unison, the largest nursing union, has expressed concern that recent increases in their members wages do not match those of other public sector workers.

Pay rates for nurses went up on April 1 by 3.6 per cent.

Nurses at grade H and I who take on the 'modern matron' role received an additional increment. Nurses on-call and stand-by payments were increased by 50 per cent.

Forum Response: Unison

Karen Jennings, head of nursing and healthcare at Unison, told ePolitix.com: "We recognise 3.6 per cent is above inflation and a step in the right direction.

"But there's a long way to go to bring us in line with our main comparators, the police force and teachers.

"We were pleased that Unison was listened to with regard to the special focus given to non-registered nursing staff."