Nursing Pay in Wales

Here you can find the latest information about the proposals for NHS pay, what it means in Wales, and why it is important that you get involved in an RCN member consultation on pay.

The Welsh Government and the joint health trade unions in Wales have announced they have reached agreement on a proposed three-year pay deal for NHS staff in Wales.

The RCN in Wales said: “We welcome the announcement, which will now discuss with our members. But this deal is only the beginning. We will continue to fight for better pay and conditions for all members of the nursing family – whether in the NHS or the independent sector. The deal now needs to go through our RCN governance procedures and be put to members before it can be agreed. We will be working hard over the coming weeks to make sure our members have all the information they need to make an informed choice, but we believe that this is the best deal that we could do through negotiation.

“If agreed the majority of NHS staff will receive a 6.5 per cent increase over three years. There will also be restructuring of existing pay bands with a reduction in the number of pay points.  This is the largest pay rise offered to nurses in 10 years and it has been a long and arduous journey to get to this point, but the success of the Scrap the Cap campaign shows the power our members can wield over Government policy.  We will now be engaging with our members to see what they think. It is vital that as many members as possible take part in the consultation on the proposed deal.”

Find out more:

Pay rise offer for NHS Wales' staff on 70th Anniversary

The RCN Welsh Board and RCN staff are in discussion about the best way to consult members in Wales on the proposed pay deal for NHS staff in Wales. We are committed to ensuring we consult with members in the correct manner. 

The RCN will be holding meetings across Wales to inform members and answer their questions about NHS pay.

Please check back here for further updates on the consultation and information on member meetings across Wales (see below).

The RCN remains committed to UK-wide pay terms and conditions for nursing staff

Pay deal for England

RCN members in England have voted to accept a new three-year pay deal. 

The deal will be formally approved at a meeting of NHS trade unions on 27 June and is expected to begin being paid in July. 

Our main Nursing Pay website has lots more information, including a link to a pay calculator for NHS England members. You can use this for illustrative purposes and it will give you a good indication about what increase you’ll likely to receive if the pay rises and scales in the framework are implemented for NHS Wales members.

NHS Pay Deal Announced for Staff in England - Joint Statement By Tracy Myhill and Helen Whyley, Joint Chairs Welsh Partnership Forum Business Committee 

"Staff will be aware of the press coverage relating to the offer of a pay deal for staff in the NHS in England. Decisions in relation to pay in the NHS in Wales are devolved to the Welsh Government.The Welsh Partnership Forum Strategic Pay Sub Group met today to discuss the approach and potential implications for Wales.

Colleagues have agreed in partnership to schedule a number of meetings in the next few weeks to fully understand the detail and enable the group to provide advice to the Cabinet Secretary on a pay offer for NHS Wales."