Morale at all-time low

Unite represents 100,000 NHS workers, from biomedical scientists to maintenance workers to nurses. Austerity measures put in place by the coalition government are seriously damaging NHS employees, while Cameron and his cronies privatise our national health service.

Administrative and clerical workers

Administration workers provide essential support to front-line NHS workers. To progress in their career they usually need to go on courses, such as those available from the institute of leadership and management. They can earn as little as ÂŁ16,271.

One admin worker told us, “Staff morale is at an all-time low, I don’t think people realise how hard people work in the NHS and how poorly paid they are and how actually they are treated.”

Another one said, “I have recently been down-banded and gone from working full time to part time and now can’t afford to maintain a home. As a single parent this is extremely stressful.”

Ambulance staff and paramedics

For the ambulance service to work, many staff are needed, from taking calls to driving vehicles. Ambulance staff usually start on a salary of ÂŁ14,294.

Paramedics need to complete a two year degree and must have a driver’s license, and some need an additional qualification to drive larger vehicles. They have to complete paramedic training.

Paramedics need to be able to use equipment such as defibrillators to resuscitate patients. They work unsociable hours, and also have to deal with upset or sometimes aggressive relatives of patients. Their pay begins at ÂŁ21,478.

“I used to enjoy my work but changes in the whole system of work and work place has had a very serious effect on most of the staff,” one ambulance work told us.

“I feel totally worthless and apathetic regarding doing my job. I still try to maintain my professional skills but I feel it’s time to leave.”

“Front line services are been affected by the changes that are having to be made,” another worker said. “Staff morale is the lowest I can remember in my 34 years in the NHS.”

Clinical Psychologists

Clinical psychologists need a degree in psychology, as well as further training. Trainee clinical psychologists earn from ÂŁ25,783 and earn from ÂŁ30,764 once they have completed their training.

One member spoke of his frustration with the current situation, and warned psychologists could leave for the private sector.

“I am concerned that down-banding, reduced pay compared to inflation, reduced pension entitlements etc. will mean that senior healthcare professionals who are able to, and who are very good at their jobs, will increasingly work privately.

“I am beginning to see this in psychiatry, where consultant psychiatrists are going part-time and doing more private work, and staying fewer days in the NHS. My worry is that, in the future, those who can make a success of it privately will do so.”

Tomorrow we look at nurses and health visitors.