Politicians work for you. They want to hear from you about what is important to you. They have a duty to listen and respond.

The easiest way to let them know what you think about NHS pay is to write to them. A physical letter is best as it has the most impact, but an email works too. The most impact comes from you writing in your own words about why you deserve a substantial pay increase as an NHS worker.

Below is a list of points you may wish to consider when drafting your letter or email:

• If you have been working in the NHS throughout the last decade, tell them about how your pay has been held down for years – and if you have ways of demonstrating the impact that has had on you and your family, tell them. These personal details are so important and really effective.
• Tell them what it has been like to work in the NHS during the pandemic. If you have had worries and concerns but gone into work nonetheless, tell them.
• If you are having financial difficulties especially if they are caused by the pandemic and are comfortable telling them about this, please do so.
• Say that you support GMB’s call for an early and substantial pay risefor all NHS staff like yourself. April 2021 is too long to wait. It should be brought forward into this year.
• Ask them directly but politely if they support your call for an early and substantial pay rise.
• If you are in England: ask them specifically to write on your behalf to both the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, calling for an early and substantial pay rise for NHS frontline staff. Ask them to sign the Early Day Motion 742: Early Pay Rise for NHS Staff.
• If you are in Scotland: ask them specifically to write on your behalf to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, calling for an early and substantial pay rise for NHS frontline staff.
• If you are in Wales: ask them specifically to write on your behalf to the Minister for Health and Social Services, calling for an early and substantial pay rise for NHS frontline staff.
• If you are in Northern Ireland: ask them specifically to write on your behalf to the Minister of Health, calling for an early and substantial pay rise for NHS frontline staff.

You can find the relevant contact details at:

England – members.parliament.uk/FindYourMP

Scotland – beta.parliament.scot/msps/current-and-previous-msps

Wales – business.senedd.wales/mgFindMember.aspx

Northern Ireland – aims.niassembly.gov.uk/mlas/search.aspx