Overview
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting accepted the NHS Pay Review Body’s recommendation in full, calling the uplift above the OBR’s inflation forecast and confirming it will be paid on time for the first time in six years.
- The increase covers staff on Agenda for Change contracts across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, affecting nurses, paramedics, midwives and support staff, but not doctors.
- Welsh ministers will also apply the Living Wage Foundation rate, lifting the lowest-paid by roughly 3.8% to 5.9%.
- Unison, the Royal College of Nursing, the Royal College of Midwives, the GMB and Unite criticized the offer as below current inflation and pressed for reform of the pay system and direct talks.
- NHS Employers welcomed timely payment but warned trusts need urgent clarity on how the award will be funded in a challenging financial environment.