UUP Welcomes Assembly Support on Pay Parity for Health and Social Care Workers

Ulster Unionist MLA Robbie Butler has welcomed the Assembly’s support for the Ulster Unionist Party’s motion on pay parity for Health and Social Care (HSC) workers. 

The motion, brought forward by the UUP, backs the Health Minister’s commitment to pay parity and delivers on the party’s promise to stand by the dedicated men and women of the health service. 

Robbie Butler MLA said: 

“For too long, our health and social care staff have been left behind. While their colleagues across the rest of the UK have received fair pay, our workforce has been waiting in limbo. 

Today’s decision sends an unequivocal message that this is unacceptable. It puts the Assembly on record as supporting a fair and equitable pay award, recognising the immense contribution and tireless dedication of our health workers. 

This is about more than pay. It is about respect, rebuilding trust, and ensuring that those who have carried us through crisis after crisis are shown the recognition they deserve.” 

Mr Butler said the motion also speaks to the wider pressures on the health service. “This is a vital first step in tackling the recruitment and retention crisis that continues to plague our health service. If we are serious about reducing waiting lists and building a sustainable system, then we must be serious about valuing our staff.  

Today the Assembly has made that commitment clear. Now we need to see action to deliver it."