STORY
The UK government has announced it will not proceed with establishing a separate pay spine for nursing staff within the National Health Service (NHS). This decision follows a comprehensive call for evidence initiated in January 2024, aimed at evaluating the potential benefits and challenges of such a move.
The initiative to consider a distinct pay scale for nurses emerged from concerns regarding career progression and professional development under the existing Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system. However, after analysing feedback from various stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and organisations, the government concluded that the issues faced by nurses are not unique to their profession but are shared across other NHS roles. Consequently, the evidence did not substantiate the need to separate nursing pay from the broader AfC framework.
Additionally, significant legal implications associated with creating a separate pay structure were identified, further influencing the government’s decision to maintain the current unified pay system.
In response to the concerns raised during the consultation, the government has committed to alternative measures aimed at enhancing career progression and professional development for nurses and other NHS staff. These measures include investing in improved local job evaluation practices and empowering the NHS Staff Council to refine the existing pay structure.
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) had previously expressed opposition to the idea of a separate pay spine for nurses, labelling it as “divisive and unfair.” The RCM argued that such a move could erode morale and foster resentment among different healthcare professions working collaboratively within the NHS.
While the government has decided against implementing a distinct pay scale for nurses, it acknowledges the necessity of addressing the broader challenges within the NHS pay structure. The focus will now shift to collaborative efforts with relevant stakeholders to develop solutions that support the career advancement and professional growth of all NHS staff.