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NHS staff march through Bristol in pay protest
Nurses and other NHS staff have once again marched through Bristol as part of a nationwide protest calling for a better pay rise for staff.
The Bristol protest on Saturday began with speeches and some dancing on College Green.
The NHS march came on the same day as another ‘kill the bill’ protest which briefly blocked the M32.
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In a statement, Alex Oldham, of NHS Workers Say No Bristol, said the government’s offer of a one per cent pay rise for NHS staff is “a disgrace” and will ensure that NHS pay continues to lag behind the cost of living.
He said: “Over the last decade of wage restraint, pay for NHS staff has fallen in real terms by 15 to 20 per cent, whilst MPs have had eight pay rises over the same period taking their pay from over £60,000 to nearly £82,000.”
Speeches took place on College Green before the march – photo: Rob Browne
The protest coincided with the 73rd birthday of the NHS.
Mike Campbell of campaign group Protect our NHS said: “On this the 73rd birthday of the NHS, we show total solidarity with NHS staff.
“We will ensure that patient safety, NHS privatisation and the government’s woeful handling of the Covid-19 pandemic remain clearly in the public eye.”
Around 50 people gathered for the protest – photo: Rob Browne
‘NHS not for sale’ – photo: Rob Browne
Carla Denyer (left), Green party councillor and Green candidate for Bristol West, said that she would support NHS staff should they pursue strike action over pay – photo: Rob Browne
There was a bit of dancing before the march began – photo: Rob Browne
From College Green, the march snaked its way around the city centre – photo: Rob Browne
Main photo: Rob Browne
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