Government Announces 3.3% Pay Rise for 1.4 Million NHS Workers
London, 12 February 2026 – The Government has today announced that more than 1.4 million NHS staff in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will receive a 3.3% pay rise starting from April 2026. Health Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed the uplift, stating it is intended to recognise the vital contribution of healthcare professionals and will be delivered earlier in the financial year than in previous cycles. However, the announcement has already met with criticism from major health unions, who argue the figure fails to keep pace with current inflation rates.
Details of the 2026/27 Pay Award
The 3.3% consolidated pay increase applies to staff on the Agenda for Change contract, which includes nurses, midwives, paramedics, and healthcare assistants. This follows a 3.6% increase awarded in 2025. While the Government maintains that the rise is above the forecast inflation rate, UNISON has pointed out that with current inflation sitting at 4.2%, the award represents a real-terms pay cut for frontline staff.
In addition to the headline percentage increase, the Health Secretary announced a significant review of Band 5 nursing roles. This initiative aims to ensure that nurses are fairly compensated for their responsibilities, with a specific focus on boosting graduate pay and improving career progression opportunities within the NHS Staff Council framework.
Key Facts: NHS Pay Evolution
The following table outlines the recent history of pay awards for staff on Agenda for Change contracts and the specifics of the latest announcement.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026/27 Pay Rise | 3.3% (Effective 1 April 2026) |
| Staff Affected | Over 1.4 million workers (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland) |
| 2025/26 Resident Doctors | 5.4% increase |
| 2025/26 AfC Staff | 3.6% increase |
| Historical Increases | 5.5% (2024), 5% (2023), 3% (2021) |
| Current Inflation (Feb 2026) | 4.2% |
Union Response and Industrial Outlook
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and UNISON have expressed “anger” at the 3.3% figure. The RCN described the award as an “insult,” suggesting that without a further drop in inflation, the government is effectively forcing a pay reduction on health workers. Meanwhile, Unite the Union has called for an “emergency increase” to address low pay at the bottom of the NHS pay scale, warning that many workers still require additional support to meet the cost of living.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the 3.3% pay rise?
The increase applies to NHS workers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland who are employed under the Agenda for Change contract. This includes the vast majority of the NHS workforce, such as nurses, cleaners, and administrative staff, but excludes certain senior executives and doctors on separate contracts.
When will the new pay rates take effect?
The pay rise is scheduled to be implemented from 1 April 2026. The Government has indicated that the award has been processed earlier than in previous years to ensure staff see the benefit in their pay packets at the start of the new financial year.
What is happening with Band 5 nursing roles?
The Health Secretary has committed to a major review of Band 5 roles. This update is intended to “recognise the true value” of the profession by reviewing job descriptions and pay bands to ensure nurses are not being undervalued or performing duties above their current pay grade without fair compensation.