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Pay in Wales: RCN secures landmark pay increase for nursing support workers
Thousands of health care support workers (HCSWs) across Wales are set to receive a pay increase following a historic agreement between trade unions, NHS employers and the Welsh Government
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This has been achieved after extensive campaigning by RCN Wales and will see eligible HCSWs re-banded from band 2 to band 3 – a long-overdue recognition of the vital clinical duties they perform and ensuring fair pay for their contribution to patient care.
The agreement, negotiated through the Welsh Partnership Forum, addresses long-standing concerns that many HCSWs have been carrying out responsibilities beyond their original job descriptions without appropriate remuneration. Under the new framework:
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all eligible band 2 HCSWs will be assessed and re-banded to band 3 where duties align with the national profile
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backdated pay and recognition payments will be provided to staff who have been performing band 3 duties prior to re-banding
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the Welsh Government has committed funding to support the implementation of this agreement across NHS Wales.
We’re calling on health boards to implement the re-banding process as quickly as possible and for all assessments and payments to be completed by the middle of 2026. Eligible staff should receive detailed guidance from their employers in the coming weeks.
Jackie Davies, Chair of RCN Wales Board, said: “We welcome this agreement and are pleased that our members who fought tirelessly for fair pay are finally recognised. It’s about respecting the vital roles health care support workers play and the skills that keep patients safe and cared for.”
This news comes ahead of Nursing Support Workers’ Day on 23 November, where we shine a light on the sometimes unseen but essential care nursing support workers give to patients and their families. Find out more.
