A fierce exchange erupted on GB News when political commentator Fahima Mahomed and presenter Nana Akua clashed over whether NHS nurses receive fair compensation.
The disagreement intensified as both participants presented contrasting views on healthcare workers’ salaries.
Mahomed argued that whilst nurses currently receive salaries exceeding £30,000, this figure becomes misleading when examined properly. She maintained that healthcare workers have experienced a significant decline in real earnings, with wages dropping by 26 per cent compared to 2010 levels once inflation is factored in.
The presenter challenged this assessment, suggesting that nursing salaries could reach £57,000 in the second year of employment when additional hours are included. Nana emphasised that healthcare professionals understand the salary structure when entering the profession.
The political commentator highlighted several factors affecting nurses’ financial circumstances. She pointed out that healthcare staff cannot secure overtime bonuses or engage in salary negotiations, unlike their counterparts in private industry.
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Fahima Mahomed and Nana Akua clashed on GB News
Mahomed stressed that comparing basic nursing salaries to Britain’s median income fails to account for crucial elements. These include career advancement structures, diminished pension benefits and the burden of educational loans.
She calculated that nursing wages have lagged behind price increases by £8,000. The commentator warned that inadequate remuneration would lead to workforce depletion within the health service.
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“If the pay stays below what is needed, NHS will face depleting staff. The strikes and staffing crisis continue to erode the NHS,” Mahomed stated during the discussion.
Nana firmly rejected these arguments, asserting that entry-level positions across all sectors typically offer modest starting salaries. She maintained that nursing compensation could exceed £100,000 annually under certain circumstances.
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Junior doctors were striking last week
“Most people who start in a job don’t get a big, big salary. You can earn up to £57,000 in year two with overtime. Let’s not get ourselves into that. Nurses could potentially earn over £100,000 a year,” the presenter stated.
The discussion became increasingly tense when Mahomed attempted to respond mid-sentence. Nana sharply rebuked the interruption, saying: “I didn’t interrupt you, did I?”
Fellow panellist Lizzie Cundy expressed concern about patient safety, stating: “You know what worries me? People are going to die.” She accused healthcare workers of prioritising financial gain over patient welfare, claiming they “cannot put their greed before the need of patients.”
The presenter defended the current system by highlighting the comprehensive pension arrangements available to healthcare workers. She argued that those entering the profession are fully aware of the compensation structure from the outset.
“You know the salary of the job you joined and you also know you get this incredible pension,” Nana stated.
She questioned the sustainability of increased wages, asking: “Where in the world do we have an NHS just like ours where people are being paid a lot of money?”
The debate concluded with Akua suggesting that demands for higher salaries could lead to privatisation. She emphasised that the service operates without charge at point of access, funded entirely through taxation.
“It’s completely free at the point of use, we’re paying it in tax. It’s coming from the taxpayers’ purse,” she concluded.
