FRENCH health workers have won a “historic” pay rise after the government caved in to pressure from strikes and protests and praised their role in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.

New Prime Minister Jean Castex hailed the agreement as “a historic moment for our health system.”

A deal came after seven weeks of negotiations with unions, as workers said that they felt the government had turned its back on them despite their role on the front line of a health emergency.

Mr Castex said the deal, worth about €8 billion (£7.2bn), was “first and foremost a considerable recognition of those who have been on the front line.”

Health workers, with the public at their back — they were applauded at 8pm every evening during the lockdown — staged mass protests demanding increased pay and better funding for public hospitals.

The deal sees pay rises for nurses, technical and administrative staff and non-medical workers.

Money has also been set aside for doctors to increase pay for those who work solely in public hospitals.

Unions were cautious about the deal; the Action Praticiens Hopital (APH) union, which represents doctors, has called for a second round of negotiations focusing on working hours.

APH president Jacques Trevidic said: “It is a step forward, but it lacks too many elements to be signed.”