Over a million NHS staff in England, from nurses and midwives, to porters and paramedics, will receive a 5% pay rise and lump sum bonus in June.
The pay award, which covers the 2023/24 financial year, follows a three-year agreement reached in 2020 that saw NHS workers receive an average 6.5% increase over the period. The pay rise will be backdated to 1 April 2023, meaning staff will receive an additional payment in June to cover the increase for April and May.
A 5% consolidated increase in pay will be awarded for 2023/24. This means a newly qualified nurse received a 5.5% increase, and those on the lowest salaries received a pay rise of 9.3% over the past year. In addition, staff will receive a one-off ‘NHS backlog bonus’ next month, which ranges from £1,350 to £1,600 depending on the band and step of the staff member. The average nurse in pay band 5 will receive a bonus of £1,350.
Commenting, Leo Docherty MP said:
"This pay award from the Government recognises and reflects the hard work, dedication and contribution of our NHS staff. This pay increase will help to retain and recruit nurses, improving patient care."