NURSES protested outside Sajid Javid's constituency office in Bromsgrove to demand he speaks to frontline healthcare workers about NHS pay.

The event, organised by campaign group Nurses United, took place on Saturday September 11 prior to the closure of the consultative trade union ballots in England.

The protest comes as the government is set to introduce a three per cent pay rise for NHS staff.

The rise, which critics argue is too little, was agreed after the government accepted the recommendations of the independent NHS Pay Review Body, which considered evidence from organisations including government, the NHS and trade unions to reach their recommendations.

Around 30 people attended the protest, as Nurses United argue a restorative pay rise is needed to ensure the health and safety of patients in the face of a recruitment crisis.

Anthony Johnson, a nurse from Nurses United UK said: "Sajid Javid couldn't be bothered to turn up to meet nurses, some of who were his own constituents. We all know nurses need a restorative pay rise to keep our patients safe.  

"Members of the public understand this and supported us at every turn, saying that Mr Javid only turns up around election time. On Friday 17th September at 11.30am more nurses from his constituency will visit Mr Javid's advice surgery and demands that he listens to us.”

Defending the rise, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the increase recognised the "extraordinary efforts" of NHS workers, adding: "NHS staff are rightly receiving a pay rise this year despite the wider public sector pay pause, in recognition of their extraordinary efforts. 

"We asked the independent pay review bodies for their recommendations and I’m pleased to accept them in full, with a 3% pay rise for all staff in scope, from doctors and nurses to paramedics and porters."