The government has kicked off the 2025-26 NHS pay round, but officials warn that it’s “unlikely” nurses will see a pay rise on time next year.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting has written to the NHS Pay Review Body (PRB) to start gathering evidence for pay recommendations for nurses and other Agenda for Change staff.
NHS Pay Rise 2025-2026
“It’s unacceptable for our members to face another delayed pay rise,” said Nicola Ranger, General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).
Responses from health unions have been varied. Some commend the government for starting the process earlier than last year, while others criticize the continued delays in nurse pay.
In his letter, Mr Streeting noted that next year’s pay award is set against a challenging financial backdrop, including a £22 billion budget deficit inherited from the previous government. He confirmed that the government will announce available funds for the Department of Health and Social Care during the Autumn Budget on 30 October.
He stated, “My department is committed to ensuring the NHS is equipped to deliver high-quality public service while providing value for money for taxpayers.”
The letter also reiterated the government’s promise to announce pay awards close to the start of the financial year on 1 April. The PRB has faced delays, typically announcing pay awards around six months late.
Mr Streeting said, “As the Chancellor mentioned in July, the aim is to announce pay awards as close to 1 April as possible for 2025-26. Unfortunately, due to delays from the previous government, it’s unlikely that staff will see pay increases by April. However, by starting the pay round earlier this year, we can work towards a better timeline for 2026-27.”
He encouraged the PRB to provide recommendations as soon as feasible and promised that the government would share its written evidence promptly after the spending review was finalized.
Union Concerns
Professor Nicola Ranger responded by questioning the independence of the NHS PRB. “Our members need a significant change in pay that reflects their value,” she said, criticizing the government’s budget limits as undermining the PRB process.
She added, “It’s unacceptable for our members to face another delay. Nursing staff want to help find solutions, but they will be alarmed by this latest development.”
Just days before, the RCN announced that its members had rejected this year’s NHS pay award, with two-thirds voting against the 5.5% increase.
Meanwhile, the GMB union, which is still voting on this year’s pay award, welcomed the early launch of the 2025-26 pay round. GMB’s national secretary, Rachel Harrison, called it a positive first step towards resolving past delays.
Ongoing Challenges and Negotiations
Concerns persist among health unions about the PRB’s effectiveness, with some refusing to submit evidence due to doubts about its independence. Unison’s health head, Helga Pile, noted that starting the process earlier is in contrast to last year’s but indicated Unison may continue its boycott of the PRB, opting instead for direct talks with the government.
Alice Sorby, director of employment relations at the Royal College of Midwives, expressed hope for better timelines. She stressed that improving the pay process is crucial for retaining midwives, as many cite pay as a key reason for leaving the profession.
The ongoing discussions and negotiations highlight the pressing need for timely pay processes and recognition of the vital work done by NHS staff.