After reviewing the impact of previous arrangements, and following discussions with trade unions and staff representatives, the trust has recognised that paying experienced nursing staff a standard midpoint rate for Bank shifts did not appropriately reflect their skills, experience, professional accountability or the value they bring when undertaking additional work.

As a result, all staff who hold a substantive contract within UHL Group and who work on the Bank will now be paid at the pay point they hold in their substantive post, rather than the midpoint of their pay band.

Simon Browes, Regional Director for RCN North West, said: "We warmly welcome this decision by the University Hospitals of Liverpool Group. The trust's leadership has listened to the concerns of nursing staff, recognised that the previous arrangements were not right for nursing, and has been prepared to take action to put that right.

"This is a major victory for RCN members and demonstrates what can be achieved through constructive dialogue between employers, staff representatives and trade unions. We would like to thank the trust's leadership team for engaging positively with the issues raised and for recognising the importance of fairly valuing the expertise and professional responsibility of nursing staff."

Mr Browes continued: "UHL Group has shown real leadership by reviewing its position and responding to the concerns of its workforce. We hope trusts across the North West will now take note and undertake similar reviews of their own arrangements.

"This decision should be a turning point. It demonstrates that employers do not have to accept approaches that reduce the value placed on experienced nursing staff when they undertake additional shifts. Where concerns have been raised, organisations should be prepared to listen, engage and review their position.

"We are particularly calling on employers across the wider Cheshire and Merseyside system and neighbouring Greater Manchester to reflect carefully on the decision taken by Liverpool. Nursing staff across these areas have expressed serious concerns about the reduction in rates for additional shifts, and this announcement shows there is a fairer and more sustainable alternative."

The RCN says the decision is important not only for staff, but also for patient care.

"At a time when the NHS faces continuing workforce pressures, employers should be doing everything possible to encourage experienced nurses to remain in the workforce and undertake additional shifts when services need support.

"Paying nurses less to do the same job was never a sensible long-term workforce strategy. UHL Group has recognised that reality and deserves credit for doing so."

Mr Browes added that the decision should also give confidence to senior nursing leaders elsewhere in the region.

"Chief Nurses across the North West can take encouragement from the example set by Liverpool. They do not have to feel that they must simply fall in line with regional arrangements that nursing staff regard as unfair. This decision shows that local leadership, meaningful engagement and a willingness to listen to staff can deliver better outcomes.

"The message from Liverpool is clear: trusts can choose to value their nursing workforce properly. We would urge other employers across the region to follow that example."

The UHL Group has also confirmed its ambition to reduce reliance on agency and locum staffing by increasing the use of experienced substantive staff to fill gaps in rotas, helping to strengthen continuity of care, improve staff morale and support workforce retention.

While welcoming the announcement, the RCN will continue to engage with the trust regarding colleagues employed on Bank Only contracts, who will remain on the midpoint of their pay band pending an eligibility review process due to begin in October 2026.

"This is a significant and welcome step forward, but our position remains that all nursing staff should be fairly rewarded for the work they undertake. We look forward to continuing constructive discussions with the trust as that review progresses."