The Welsh Government has announced that Agenda for Change (AfC) NHS staff will receive a 5.5% pay award, while doctors and dentists will get an extra 6% for 2024/25.
The move means that the devolved government has accepted the independent pay review bodies’ recommendations in full. Junior doctors will also receive an extra £1,000 as part of the deal.
The pay award will be backdated to 1 April 2024 and applied across all pay points. It includes:
- Junior doctors
- Consultants
- Dentists
- Nurses
“People across Wales have told us over the summer that public sector workers are the backbone of the services we all rely on – from the nurses in our NHS to teachers in classrooms across Wales,” said First Minister Eluned Morgan.
“They want them to be fairly rewarded for the vital work they do. These pay awards reflect how we value them and respect their hard work.”
Doctors
Co-chairs of the British Medical Association’s Welsh junior doctors committee, Dr Oba Babs-Osibodu and Dr Peter Fahey, described the award as “another step in the right direction”.
Junior doctors will now receive a pay rise of between 7.6% and 9.3% from April this year.
BMA’s Welsh GP committee describes the award as “encouraging” but highlights it needs negotiations for the general medical services contract to begin for the 2024/25 financial year.
Nurses
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Wales Board has welcomed the award too but wants to see a clear roadmap for further restoration from the Welsh Government for the future.
“We will be pushing the Welsh government to show us their plans for improving NHS pay – it is vital to recruit and retain nursing staff,” said Helen Whyley, executive director for RCN Wales.
The Welsh Government has also expressed commitment to implementing intermediate pay points at AfC band 8a and above after two years. Someone in band 8a could be a mental health nursing consultant, dental laboratory manager or consultant orthotist.
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