What’s happened 

The Royal College of Podiatry has joined 13 other NHS health unions in reinforcing calls for meaningful NHS pay reform as negotiations with government continue. 

On 3 July, union leaders met Health Minister James Murray in Westminster to present an open letter signed by more than 78,000 NHS staff. The letter reiterates the unions' position that the 3.3% pay award is not enough and calls on government to provide the funding needed to reform the Agenda for Change pay structure. 

The letter forms part of the joint union campaign launched earlier this year, when Royal College of Podiatry members were invited to add their names in support of calls for fairer NHS pay. 

The meeting follows the start of long-awaited negotiations between unions, employers and government on Agenda for Change. The talks, first promised more than 18 months ago, are ongoing. 

The unions say meaningful progress now depends on government backing negotiations with additional investment to deliver lasting improvements to NHS pay. 

Why this matters to members 

Many Royal College of Podiatry members working in the NHS are employed under the Agenda for Change pay system. 

The College continues to work alongside the other NHS health unions to seek fair pay and meaningful reform of the pay structure, supporting the recruitment, retention and recognition of NHS staff. 

What happens next 

Negotiations between unions, employers and government are expected to continue over the coming months. 

The Royal College of Podiatry will keep members updated as discussions progress. 

Links and references 

The New Podiatrist: Unions launch open letter campaign over NHS pay award