NHS Staff Celebrate Pay Rise After Long Wait

NHS staff are finally getting a long-awaited pay rise! The Chancellor recently announced a 5.5% wage increase for those working under Agenda for Change contracts in England, starting from April 2024.

UNISON’s general secretary, Christina McAnea, expressed relief over the decision, saying that this government is taking a different approach compared to its predecessors. She emphasized that to improve the NHS, it’s crucial to retain existing staff and attract new talent.

Health workers have felt the pinch as their wages have lagged behind inflation for many years. While this pay rise is a step in the right direction, many will be looking at how it compares to what junior doctors received.

McAnea pointed out that this year’s increase cannot just be a one-off solution. The NHS requires ongoing investment to truly recover and improve.

She also highlighted that every role in the NHS is essential—whether you’re a doctor, nurse, or even a cleaner, everyone plays a part in providing care to patients. The public knows very well that without enough staff, the NHS can’t deliver the necessary care when people need it most.

The government has acknowledged the importance of modernizing salary bands across the NHS. This, however, means finding the necessary funds to make it happen.

Furthermore, McAnea mentioned how important it is to fully fund the pay rises for both healthcare workers and teachers to alleviate the pressures on school and hospital budgets alike.

Meanwhile, RCN General Secretary Professor Nicola Ranger stated that while they appreciate the pay rise, it does not fully address the salaries that have remained stagnant over the years. The path to fair pay for all NHS professionals must continue.