Health staff get pay rise after new investment

Health staff are in line for a pay rise as the government prepares an investment plan in response to the Covid-19 crisis.

Health Minister Olivier Véran, a former hospital doctor, proposes bringing pay up to the EU average and ending hospital bed closures. His proposals also include a plan to ease 35-hour working in hospitals. He said this would allow nurses to work longer in their own hospitals, rather than do part-time hours elsewhere to make ends meet.

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More options for healthcare heroes

The plan is being put to staff and management representatives for consultation. Meanwhile, a Normandy MP has proposed changing the law to allow workers across France to donate due holidays or days off in lieu (RTT) for health staff as a recognition of their efforts. Calvados MP Christophe Blanchet said it was a way to show solidarity with those who had given their all. With donations made as chèques-vacances holiday vouchers, it could help relaunch tourism.

Health workers said they did not want charity and had too much work to take days off, but Mr Blanchet has support from 100 MPs for future action. The Ordre National des Infirmiers would not comment. Workers have the right to give their paid days off to help a colleague with a sick child or other close family members.

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