NHS staff in England are to be awarded a 5.5% pay increase. This is what the NHS Pay Review Body (NHSPRB) had recommended and this has now been accepted by the government and will be implemented.
This is a pay award set by the government. It is not a pay ‘deal’ which has been negotiated by the government and NHS unions.
The NHSPRB recommended a 5.5% increase to all Agenda for Change staff, alongside other recommendations. In accepting these recommendations, the government have committed to:
- Up lifting all pay points for AfC staff by 5.5% on a consolidated basis, taking effect from 1 April 2024.
- Adding intermediate pay points at AfC Bands 8a and above.
- Working with the NHS Staff Council to take forward the PRB’s recommendations on AfC paystructures.
The award and backpay is likely to be paid in October. Backpay from April 2024.
As this is an acceptance of the PRB recommendation from the Government, with no amendment, there is nothing to negotiate, however the we will be going out to the members to consult, BOSTU will recommend agreement with the PRB recommendation.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
NHS pay is considered a devolved issue; therefore, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can either match a decision made in England or implement their own individual solution.
Wales and Northern Ireland do not specifically seek a recommendation from the NHSPRB. However, they usually seek to align any potential pay offer with England.
Scotland is not seeking a recommendation from NHSPRB and is negotiating directly with trade unions.
If you are interested in finding out more:
Visit the BOS TU pages.
BOS TU is one of the 48 member Unions of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).