HOSPITALS have come under fire for refusing to pay staff extra for working on the day of the royal wedding.

Nurses at Whiston and St Helens hospitals have been told they won’t receive their usual 60 per cent bank holiday bonus, but they will get a lieu day.

April 29 has been declared a public bank holiday by the Government to celebrate the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Unite, Britain’s biggest union blasted 114 NHS trusts and PCTS across England for failing to pay staff the usual bank holiday rate of time and two thirds.

Rachael Maskell, Unite national officer for health, said: “NHS staff will be saving lives, looking after the sick and prepared for emergencies while most of Britain will be taking a well earned break or celebrating the royal wedding.”

Josie Irwin, Royal College of Nursing head of employment relations, said: “Across the UK, people will be enjoying the day with their families.

“That’s why enhancements are paid, to compensate staff who are required to staff essential services.”

A spokesman for St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals Trust, said: “Staff who are required to work on that day will be entitled to an additional day’s paid leave.

“This is in accordance with the guidance from NHS Employers and the terms and conditions of service.”

Trusts across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are paying staff the enhanced rates.