The government announced a 3.3% pay rise for more than 1.4 million NHS workers, starting in April, described as a real-terms increase above the forecast inflation and the first timely pay award in six years.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the rise follows the NHS Pay Review Body’s recommendations and accelerates the pay process to deliver on time.

Officials emphasized the package includes an above-forecast inflation uplift and is tied to reforms of the Agenda for Change pay structure, with plans to discuss these changes with the NHS Staff Council and prioritize higher pay for graduates and the lowest-paid staff.

The Department for Health and Social Care noted the increase applies to all 1.4 million NHS staff and stressed faster delivery than in past years, while signaling ongoing governance and reform of pay structures.

Officials framed the move as the first timely increase in six years, aiming to speed up the pay review process by submitting evidence earlier.

NHS Employers acknowledged the need for funding clarity, noting trusts prepared for a smaller rise and stressing that timely, fair pay is essential for retention and attraction of staff.

Dean Royles welcomed the early payment timing and called for funding clarity amid financial pressures on NHS trusts while maintaining patient care.

The package was presented as part of broader reforms and ongoing talks with the NHS Staff Council, with assurances of timeliness and fairness across Agenda for Change staff.

Unions and professional bodies criticized the increase as below inflation and insufficient to address long-term pay erosion, real-terms cuts, and staffing pressures.

GMB welcomed timely payment but called the award insufficient to address long-standing pay and staffing issues, while other unions argued the rise undercompensates amid shortages and rising workloads.

Commentators warned about the sustainability of funding and the broader NHS staffing crisis, calling for longer-term reforms beyond the 3.3% rise.

Industry officials warned that the April uplift may not fully address recruitment, retention, and staffing pressures across the NHS.