Row over Tory hints at lower NHS pay in north
Ms Jennings said the indepen-dent Pay Review Body – which currently recommends salary changes – already took into account any problems with recruitment and retention.
The row flared up after Mr Lansley gave an interview which hinted at a future pay freeze for doctors and nurses by ruling out "inflationary staff costs".
However, an aide also revealed that the Conservatives would allow NHS employers to agree pay deals, either working together or individually – suggesting competition between hospitals.
In the interview, Mr Lansley said: "Future NHS allocations will not be able to accommodate inflationary staff costs.
"In these times of increasing financial pressure, we need to ensure that we move to a situation where pay is instead defined by what is necessary to recruit, retain and motivate the staff, and also what is affordable for local healthcare providers."
Although nurses' pay has risen under Labour, starting salaries are £20,710. The majority are on band five, where pay goes up to £26,839.
