More than 300,000 heath service workers are to receive pay rises of up to 6.5 per cent.

The increases will apply to NHS ambulance, clerical and ancillary staff who work in England.

Forum Response: Unison

Yvonne Cleary, national officer at Unison, told ePolitix.com: "Whilst this doesn't meet our original claim, it is a step in the right direction, especially for the lowest paid who are working hard to keep our hospitals running.

"But even with this award, our minimum rate of £4.47 an hour is still too low for a modern health service.

"We are disappointed that the employers refused to agree to reduce the working week. Most of these staff work excessive hours - ancillary workers are still on a 39-hour week.

"We shall continue pressing for shorter hours and a better minimum rate through the pay modernisation talks through the summer."