The mounting NHS staffing crisis and long waiting times will become permanent unless the government brings in a game-changing retention package, with an inflation-busting pay rise at its heart.

In evidence to the independent NHS pay review body (NHSPRB), as many as 14 unions, representing 1.2 million health staff in England, are calling on ministers to act urgently with a significant wage boost. They say this would help halt the growing exodus of exhausted staff from the NHS.

The unions warn that without a decent pay rise this year, the NHS will continue to lose staff at alarming rates, with patients suffering the consequences most.

The joint submission urges the government to ensure the 2022 pay rise both cushions health workers from soaring living costs and enables the NHS to hold on to, and attract, the staff so essential for its post-Covid recovery.

Sara Gorton, UNISON head of health and chair of the joint health unions, said: “Last year government dithering caused health workers to wait months for a measly pay rise. Ministers mustn’t make the same mistake again. An above-inflation increase alone isn’t a magic solution to the NHS’ many problems. But a decent wage boost could be just the trick to persuade many burnt-out staff to stay.

“Time is now of the essence. The government needs to pull its finger out and show it’s prepared to act quickly to hold on to experienced health workers, protect the NHS and cut waiting times. If direct pay talks with government can deliver a speedier pay outcome, then unions could get around the negotiating table instantly.”