The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is threatening to withdraw from negotiations with the government over a new pay structure and careers system for nurses.

The nursing union says ministers are dragging their feet and have still not published their proposals for what's called "Agenda for Change".

The process has been repeatedly delayed which is a cause of unrest and disillusion amongst nurses

Beverly Malone

Health Secretary Alan Milburn pledged two months ago that the deal would be concluded by the end of the year.

The RCN has set the government a deadline of 27 July to deliver its proposals. If it fails then the college will suspend its involvement in the process.

It follows the announcement last week that a tough negotiating stance by the main doctor's union the BMA had resulted in the offer of a new careers structure for consultants which included pay increases of up to 25%.

Repeated delays

Nurse leaders have warned that staff shortages in the NHS will get worse unless pay and conditions are improved.

An independent study commissioned by the RCN found 24% of registered nurses are set to retire in the next five years.

Only one in eight nurses is under 30, compared to one in four 10 years ago.

Dr Beverly Malone, RCN General Secretary, said: "The government opened discussions on 'Agenda for Change' three years ago.

"The process has been repeatedly delayed which is a cause of unrest and disillusion amongst nurses.

"Despite the Budget announcement two months ago of increased spending on the NHS, we are still awaiting the government's proposals on the new NHS pay and careers system.

"If the government does not make a satisfactory offer for nurses soon, we are unlikely to have final proposals to submit to our review body in September. This position is no longer tenable."

A Department of Health spokesman said confidential discussions with nurse leaders would begin by the end of the week.

He said: "We expect significant progress between now and the next council meeting of the RCN on 27 July.

"We hope to begin implementation before the end of the year."