NHS staff in Wales are set to be asked to vote on strike action after ‘bitterly disappointing’ talks with the Welsh Government over a pay offer broke down.

Unison said that following ‘urgent talks’ with the Welsh Government over a three per cent pay offer for healthcare workers in Wales, the Welsh government “has refused to significantly boost their pay award”.

Unison Cymru Wales said the talks were “bitterly disappointing” and warned that its health committee is “likely to reaffirm its decision to ballot for industrial action when it meets this week now talks have failed to make a breakthrough.”

Unison led a delegation of health unions for urgent discussions with Health Minister Eluned Morgan, after 90 per cent of the nurses, healthcare assistants, ambulance workers, hospital porters, cleaners, cooks, admin staff and more it represents, voted to oppose the imposition of a three per cent pay.

The union said the three per cent offer is below the rate of inflation and that it is “frustrated at Welsh Government’s suggestion the rise could only be boosted by a one-off, unconsolidated one per cent and a day’s additional annual leave.”

The union also said there is “further anger” over Welsh government’s decision to exclude 5,400 NHS workers on the lowest pay grades from the full three per cent rise.

Hugh McDyer, UNISON Cymru Wales head of health, said: “NHS employees have worked through the toughest 18 months of their lives.

“They put caring for people ahead of their own welfare during a deadly pandemic.

“They’ve had 10 years of pay freezes or low pay awards which have squeezed living standards.

“Then the Welsh government says they’re imposing a pay rise below the rate of inflation.

“It’s no wonder NHS workers are insulted.

“The 5,400 lowest paid staff won’t even receive the full three per cent because Welsh Government says their pay was boosted by an increase to the Foundation Living Wage.

“Talk about trying to divide the workforce.

“Working for the NHS is about delivering care as one team.

“Unison will discuss how the pay rise can be improved with Welsh government at any time, but the minister must recognise NHS staff want to be treated with the respect they deserve.

“That means a significant uplift in wages for all employees.

“Proposing a small, one-off additional payment above the three per cent, makes little difference to someone’s quality of life and feels patronising.”

Unison said that “people will leave the NHS if pay does not improve so dealing with record waiting lists is going to be more difficult.”