NORTH-EAST MPs are to meet with the head of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) as part of efforts to secure a “decent wage” for nurses.

The Northern Group of Labour MPs, whose secretary is Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson, are to meet Dr Peter Carter, OBE, chief executive and General Secretary of the RCN.

The RCN, which represents nurses interests, says the Government failed to honour a one per cent cost of living pay increase despite such an increase having previously been recommended by an independent pay body.

Dr Carter said nurses were facing another real terms pay cut which was having a “devastating effect” on morale.

He said: “Failing to pay nurses a decent wage will cause many more to consider leaving the profession, which is bad for the NHS and bad for the country.

“The Government should do the honourable thing and give nurses a decent wage.

“I am very much looking forward to making the case in more detail to the Northern Group of Labour MPs, so that we can debunk the myths that the pay rise is unaffordable and that jobs will be put at risk if the rise is paid in full.”

The meeting, in the House of Commons, on Tuesday (July 1), will be chaired by Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman.