Union calls for immediate pay action for NHS Wales nurses

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Wales has called on the Welsh Government to match the 5.5 per cent pay award for nursing staff in England.

On Monday (29 July)  Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves confirmed her acceptance of the recommendations from pay review bodies (PRBs) for health and education for 2024-25.

For staff on NHS Agenda for Change contracts in England, this means a 5.5 per pay rise, according to a treasury spokesperson.

This figure is substantially higher than the two per cent than the UK government initially expected.

Now the RCN has called for an urgent response from the Welsh Government on the UK Chancellor’s announcement.

Nicky Hughes, RCN Wales Associate Director of Nursing (Employment Relations), said that nursing staff in Wales “deserve the same prompt action and recognition on pay as their colleagues in England.”

A majority of union members voted to accept an enhanced pay offer from the Welsh Government last year – however it falls short of the new pay award announced by the UK Chancellor on Monday.

“Nurses are the backbone of NHS Wales, tirelessly dedicating themselves to the care and well-being of patients,” said Nicky Hughes.

“Nursing staff in Wales deserve the same prompt action and recognition on pay as their colleagues in England.

“They should not have to wait any longer for the pay award that they should have received in April of this year.

Nicky Hughes highlighted the dedication and resilience of the nursing workforce, who continue to deliver skilled and compassionate care despite long hours and emotional strain.

She stressed that the respect for nursing staff and the quality of patient care should not be sidelined.

“As a devolved nation, the Welsh Government can decide to go above the recommendations of the independent pay review body (PRB) for nursing staff in Wales, which would go some way towards the pay restoration they committed to in last year’s pay award,” Nicky Hughes added.

“RCN Wales is adamant that any pay award for NHS Wales staff must be fully implemented and backdated to April 2024.

“It is imperative for Eluned Morgan, as the future First Minister, to show leadership and commitment to nursing in Wales.”