In your last leader (July 30), you say nurses and midwives were upset, angered and demoralised that, while 900,000 public sector workers were to receive a pay rise, they were left out.

You do not say that nurses received an average increase of 4.4 per cent in April this year as the second stage of a three year award ending in 2021.

This compares with a 3.1 per cent rise for teachers which in itself which will puzzle many.
You also say nurses are “overworked and underpaid”.

Well,they work a standard 37.5 hours a week compared with 32.5 hours for teachers.
Additionally, nurses receive overtime at between one-and-a-half and twice the standard rate.

Finally, we are often told nurses regularly work 12 hour shifts.

Some do but they work three 12-hour shifts in a week leaving plenty of time for other pursuits.

Facts matter.

KEVIN PAGE
Slaley