Unprecedented service cuts would be needed to give Northern Ireland health workers the same pay deal as colleagues in England, the Department of Health's top civil servant has warned.
BBC News NI economics and business editor
Peter May said he is aware of the "potential impact this could have on staff and on industrial relations".accepted by a majority of unions representing NHS England staffMr May made the comments in a letter to Stormont's parties as part of a consultation exercise on the health budget. "Given the legislative basis supported by guidance from the secretary of state, I have concluded that taking such a decision would be out with my authority as permanent secretary."He added that like other departments "we are in an impossible position of being asked to fulfil conflicting responsibilities".
Mr May added: "In the event of additional funding for health being made available later in this financial year, a minister may have the option of increasing waiting list initiative investment."Unite the Union said the statement was "unnecessarily provocative to health and social care workers" ahead of Thursday's meeting between trade unions and the Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris.
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