THE Labour leadership came under fire today for failing to support trade union demands for NHS pay rises as the fight against the Conservatives’ paltry 1 per cent offer to nurses continues.

During a BBC interview this morning, Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner refused to back both the Royal College of Nurses’ (RCN) current demand for a 12 per cent pay rise and a 2019 manifesto commitment for a 5 per cent increase, instead supporting “at least” 2.1 per cent.

Left-wing campaign group Momentum criticised Ms Rayner on the day that leader Sir Keir Starmer launched Labour’s May election campaign with the message that it is the party of the NHS.

Sir Keir said: “A vote for Labour is a vote to support our nurses.”

Labour is also launching a hard-hitting poster campaign today on the government’s moral failure over NHS pay, which will be displayed on a van set to travel to 10 Downing Street. 

A Momentum spokesperson said: “In the context of a 10 per cent real terms pay cut since 2010, this refusal to back our nurses’ unions and their reasonable demand for a 12 per cent rise is embarrassing.

“This leadership is developing a reputation. First they sold out the teachers, now they sell out the nurses — who’s next? It’s time for the Labour Party to pick a side, and stand up for working people.”

Socialist campaigners and trade unions have targeted the government’s widely criticised recommended pay offer for England’s health workers, which they say amounts to a real terms pay cut. 

Last night people were called to a slow hand-clap across Britain by unions including Unison, mirroring efforts earlier in the pandemic, to highlight the displeasure of workers and the public at the offer. 

Health workers are currently in the final year of a three-year pay deal, with Unison calling for a £2,000 bump.

The public-sector union expressed concerns about the future of healthcare workers, warning that experienced staff may consider their futures if a significant pay increase is not offered. 

The union’s head of health Sara Gorton said: “NHS staff have given 100 per cent during the pandemic. But the government thinks they’re only worth 1 per cent. 

“The insulting wage rise proposal from the Chancellor and Prime Minister has made this so much worse. It’s not good enough.”