Government and RCN agree package to boost graduate nurse pay and progression

Ranger added: “We set out  a strong  case for supporting nursing careers and the Government has responded with a series of important commitments to staff in the NHS in England. 

“For those who get a band uplift as a result, this is real change and real money.”

Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, said: “These measures are a positive step for nurses – prioritising increasing graduate pay recognises the value and responsibility of nurses at the beginning of their careers, while a comprehensive review of Band 5 roles and bands will mean their pay and job descriptions better reflect their work.

“A new national nursing preceptorship – where newly registered nurses are guided by experienced practitioners – will provide stronger support as nurses transition into practice, helping to build confidence, capability, and retention across the nursing workforce.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates a clear commitment to valuing nurses, supporting their professional development, and investing in a sustainable nursing workforce for the future.”

Discussions with health unions on improving the Agenda for Change pay structure will follow. 

The Government has agreed to fund recommended changes. 

Pay for all graduates should be increased, with the NHS staff council deciding the level of uplift. 

This will benefit graduate nurses and other NHS professions such as occupational therapists, pharmacists, and speech and language therapists.

Band 5 nurses will have roles reviewed to ensure pay and job descriptions match the work being done. 

Funding will be available for the review process and any salary increases, separate from other pay awards. 

The Government will review evidence to decide if further action is needed.

REACTION:

Helga Pile, head of health at UNISON: 

“For the NHS to deliver the standards of care patients need, nursing and other healthcare roles must become more attractive options as graduate professions. 

“Better starting pay and earnings prospects are essential. 

“Delivering a comprehensive review of band 5 nursing roles is key to rooting out and correcting underpayments that have built up as responsibilities and expertise have increased.  

“A national preceptorship is welcome and long overdue to ensure nurses are supported in the critical early stage of their careers.”

Rachel Harrison, national officer at GMB: 

“GMB welcomes this commitment to recognising the value of the nursing workforce across the NHS.  

“Hard working staff should get paid appropriately and fairly for the work they do.  

“GMB continues to campaign for workers right across the NHS to be paid a fair wage in line with all their duties.”

Steph Lawrence, CEO at The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing: 

“The QICN welcomes this news and believes this will be a real boost for nursing. 

“We hope that we can support the review of job descriptions and work with the RCN and Government around the community nursing preceptorship and development pathways for community nursing.”

Greta Westwood, CEO of Florence Nightingale Foundation: 

“The Florence Nightingale Foundation welcomes this national commitment to ensuring that every nurse benefits from high quality preceptorship. 

“We have long championed preceptorship as the foundation for a strong, fulfilling and enduring nursing career. 

“Our research shows the importance of preceptorship in retaining staff, but also highlights the current variation in quality and access. 

“By strengthening preceptorship nationally, including quality and access, we can build a more resilient, confident nursing workforce, which will underpin the future sustainability of our health and care system.”

Dean Royles, interim CEO for NHS Employers: 

“We welcome this important commitment from the Government to develop a national approach to preceptorship for newly qualified nurses. 

“This approach will help make sure they receive the support they need during their first years working in the nursing profession. 

“It is also only right that nurses are paid fairly for the invaluable work they do across the NHS.”