Health workers at Kingston hospital say they are disappointed most staff will not get a pay rise this year, writes George Odling.

Unison, which represents health workers, said yesterday’s (Mar 13) announcement showed contempt for the NHS.

An estimated 600,000 NHS workers will miss out on a public sector 1% pay rise, and will get only their usual incremental payments.

Kate Skov, an occupational therapist at Kingston Hospital, said: “I can’t afford to live in Kingston and the same is true of many of my colleagues.

“When will the Government show they appreciate the NHS and its staff are doing a great job?”

Nora Pearce, a retired midwife, said: “Many nurses will be asking themselves why are we always the ones having to make the sacrifices.”