NHS Pay Rise 2024/25: Pay Rise Approved at 5.5% for 2024

The United Kingdom government has announced a historic NHS Pay Rise of 5.5% for NHS staff on Agenda for Change (AfC) contracts, effective from 1 April 2024. This newsletter explores the recent NHS pay rise, addressing pay cuts and boosting recruitment and retention efforts across NHS Pay Bands. 

Learn how these updates impact your career and finances with the latest insights in healthcare and Health and Safety practices. 

Biggest Pay Rise in a Decade Across NHS Pay Bands 

On 29 July, the Westminster government announced a 5.5% consolidated pay increase for nursing staff on Agenda for Change contracts in England, effective 1 April 2024, following NHS Pay Review Body recommendations. The specifics of how the award will be financed have yet to be revealed. An online consultation will soon gather staff opinions on this pay award. 

RCN General Secretary Professor Nicola Ranger emphasised the need for fair pay restoration, noting significant earnings losses over the past 15 years. She called for proper wages to recruit and retain nursing staff, fill vacancies, and ensure quality care. Eligible NHS staff should update their details to vote. 

NHS Pay Rise Falls Significantly Short for Junior Doctors 

Labour Chancellor Rachael Reeves announced a 5.5% pay rise for over a million NHS workers, including those at Band 8a and above. Despite being the largest increase in a decade, it falls short of the 22.3% rise for Junior Doctors. This comes after a decade of real terms pay cuts and a £20 billion financial shortfall. 

NHS Pay Bands After NHS Pay Rise 2024/25 

The recent NHS pay rise for 2024/25 brings new salary adjustments across various pay bands. Here's an overview of the different roles and their updated pay scales: 

Band 2 

Band 2 staff consist of Healthcare Assistants, Receptionists, Phlebotomists, Administrative Personnel, Domestic Staff, and Catering Staff.
 

                                                                                                                                                Source: NHS Pay Scales 

Band 3 

Band 3 staff comprise Clinical Support Workers, Therapy Assistants, Pharmacy Assistants, Administrative Workers, and Clerical Staff.
 

Band 4 

Band 4 staff encompass various roles, including Nursing Associates, Associate Practitioners, Pharmacy Technicians, Bed Managers, and Senior Clerical Staff.
 

Band 5 

Band 5 staff encompass Nurses, newly qualified Midwives, Paramedics, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech Therapists.
 

Band 6 

Band 6 staff Comprise Junior Sisters, Charge Nurses, Midwives, Paramedics, newly qualified Pharmacists, and Biomedical Scientists.
 

Band 7 

Band 7 staff Comprise Ward Sisters, Charge Nurses, Senior Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Pharmacists, and Senior Midwives.
 

Band 8a 

Band 8a staff comprise Matrons, Advanced Clinical Practitioners, Service Managers, and Speciality Leads.
 

Band 8b 

Band 8b staff comprise Psychologists, Lead Pharmacists, and Lead Clinicians
 

Band 8c 

Band 8c staff comprise Heads of Clinical Service, Senior HR Managers, Tactical Response Leads, and Service Owners.
 

Band 8d 

Band 8d staff comprise Deputy Directors of Clinical Services, Deputy Chief Nurses, Consultant Clinical Scientists, and Departmental Heads.
 

Band 9 

Band 9 staff comprise Nurse Consultants, Directors of Clinical Services, and Chief Nursing Officers.
 

Conclusion 

The 5.5% pay rise for NHS staff marks a significant step towards addressing long-standing pay cuts and improving recruitment and retention across the healthcare sector. As these changes take effect, it's crucial to stay informed about how they will impact your career and finances across NHS Pay Bands. Keep an eye on further developments and participate in consultations to ensure your voice is heard. Together, we can work towards a more sustainable and fair future for all NHS staff. 

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