What’s happened? 

The government has announced a 3.3% pay rise for NHS workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, following a recommendation from the NHS Pay Review Body. The increase is expected to be implemented by 1 April 2026. 

Alongside the pay award, the government has committed to provide funding to begin urgent discussions on reviewing the Agenda for Change pay structure. These talks are expected to begin in the coming weeks.  

The announcement follows a separate statement outlining proposed improvements to nursing pay and career progression, including a commitment to prioritise graduate pay across all Agenda for Change roles.  

Why this matters to members? 

The 3.3% increase applies to NHS staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Members in Scotland are currently in a multi-year deal and not affected by this announcement. 

At the time of writing, the 3.3% award sits below the current rate of UK inflation, which in the 12 months to December 2025 sat at 3.4%. Inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services rises over time. 

The government, in its announcement yesterday on the proposed improvements to nursing pay and career progression, indicated that it will prioritise improvements to graduate pay and consider wider structural changes to Agenda for Change. Further detail about how these proposals would be funded or implemented has not been published.   

Martin Furlong, Deputy General Secretary of the Royal College of Podiatry, said:  

“While we welcome the commitment to a funded mandate for structural pay negotiations, members will see a below-inflation pay rise as a backwards step. If the government is serious, then these talks need to start immediately and produce results. 

“Our strategic ambition is to increase numbers in the profession through recruitment and retention. Therefore, we welcome the government’s move to improve graduate pay – we’ve been calling for this for some time. But there’s no funding commitment. We’re looking forward to having meaningful discussions with the government and the Department of Health and Social Care to make this a reality.  

What happens next? 

The College will consult with members in England, Wales and Northern Ireland before determining its next steps. 

Further detail on the proposed structural pay discussions is expected in due course. 

Links and references 

Read the written ministerial statement to the Commons here