NHS Staff to Bag Pay Rise in Government Deal
Over 1 million NHS workers in England are set for an extra pay boost after fresh government talks with Agenda for Change unions. The deal comes after intense negotiations with unions representing nurses, paramedics, 999 call handlers, midwives, security guards, and cleaners.
Fair Pay and Inflation Tackle Promise
All sides agreed on a deal aiming to reward NHS staff fairly while recognising the UK’s wider economic struggles. This agreement supports Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s mission to halve inflation, a top government priority.
The government praised NHS workers for their courage during the pandemic and their critical role in slashing Covid-related waiting lists. They also acknowledged the financial squeeze families face from the Ukraine war and pandemic aftermath.
What’s in the Offer?
- 2% non-consolidated pay award for 2022/23 on top of last year’s 4% increase, meaning nurses and lower-paid staff saw rises between 5.5% and 9.3%
- A one-off ‘NHS Backlog Bonus’ starting at £1,250, depending on experience and pay band – for example, band 5 nurses will get around £1,350
- A 5% consolidated pay rise for 2023/24, worth at least £1,065
- Lowest-paid NHS staff (bands 1 & 2) to have pay raised to the same level
Overall, newly qualified nurses can expect an extra £2,750 over two years and more than £1,890 in one-off payments this year alone.
More Than Just Money: Reform Plans Included
The deal also commits to action against violence toward NHS staff, permanent pension abatement suspensions, and safer hospital staffing levels.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay has promised to work on recruitment, retention, and new pay structures specifically for nursing staff, aiming for changes by the 2024/25 pay year.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “I’m really pleased that after several weeks of constructive talks, the government and the Agenda for Change unions have come to an agreement that will provide a fair deal for NHS staff and put disruptive strike action behind us.
It is right that we reward our hardworking NHS staff, who showed bravery and dedication throughout the pandemic and continue to make phenomenal progress to tackle waiting lists. Importantly this deal is also affordable for the taxpayer and continues to deliver on my promise to halve inflation.
We have taken a reasonable approach throughout and this offer is good for NHS staff, it’s good for the taxpayer and most importantly it is good news for patients whose care will no longer be disrupted by strike action.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay added: “I hugely admire the incredible work of NHS staff, including during the pandemic and the progress they have made to tackle the resulting backlog.
This offer will give nurses, paramedics, physiotherapists and other non-medical staff a fair pay rise while protecting our commitment to halve inflation.
We have engaged in constructive and meaningful discussions with unions and NHS Employers and I look forward to continuing our work together to make the NHS a better place to work.”
The unions RCN, UNISON, GMB, CSP, and BDA will now consult their members on the deal while strike action remains paused. The government assures no impact on frontline services or patient care quality as a result of the package.
