Health workers in Northern Ireland have demanded a 'long overdue' pay rise.

Shop stewards and activists from all health trusts and arms-length bodies gathered at Stormont on November 7 to urge the Assembly Health Committee to address the delayed 2024 pay rise.

They highlighted that the promised pay parity is now broken due to the absence of a pay uplift, half a year into 2024.

While workers in England, Scotland, and Wales receive the 5.5 percent increase recommended by the Pay Review Body, Northern Ireland's health workers have been left out.

This has left many feeling frustrated and angry.

In a statement, UNISON members said: "Our pay rise fell due from April 2024 and once again our members find themselves last in the UK NHS pay line.

"Health staff have had two major disputes to protect pay parity.

"Our members cannot tolerate any more delay.

"They want you to ensure the Executive will fund their recommended pay rise.

"We are meeting the Minister for Health in the coming days.

"The NI Executive now has information on the Treasury funding available and will be taking decisions.

"It is imperative that before then you make every effort in the coming days to raise your voice loudly and ensure that they do the right thing.

"A derogatory pay offer or no pay offer will lead to a widespread challenge from health workers and pressure will be heaped upon the NI Executive.

"This means that transformation plans will be severely disrupted and inevitably industrial action will follow."