What is the collective noun for a group of government U-turns? An embarrassment? A Williamson? The latest predictable about-face is on the Government’s decision to offer nurses a one per cent pay rise, following 12 months of exceptional service during a pandemic.
Like the initial decision on free school meals, it was easy to see this coming and the Government has shot itself in the foot. It has handed Labour an open goal as it kicks off its local election campaign, while sending a message that the Conservative Party undervalues the huge contribution of NHS workers during this pandemic.
Despite billions of additional spending set out in the Budget, the small print revealed a Chancellor keen to get day-to-day spending down, and one way to do that is through public sector pay restraint.
Why did the Government not match the devolved administrations in giving nurses a one-off £500 bonus? This would not only have been a welcome reward, but it would also have staved off a political headache.
