Unite the union’s workforce representatives have voted to recommend acceptance of a pay offer made by the department of health in negotiations. These resulted from industrial action taken by health workers in Northern Ireland who sought to maintain pay parity with NHS workers in England and Wales.

Unite members will now be balloted on the offer which, if agreed, will settle industrial disputes for both 2022/23 and 2023/24 financial years.

Unite regional officer Brenda Stevenson said. “We are encouraging members to vote yes to accept this pay offer and end the pay dispute. This offer ensures pay parity with NHS workers in England and Wales and will address safe staffing.”