The news is welcomed by unions and healthcare officials alike
Nurses make up the backbone of the NHS(Image: PA)
In a significant boost for healthcare workers, NHS nurses are set to benefit from a new career development package agreed upon by the government and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). The official government announcement emphasised that “the profession has been undervalued in the NHS for far too long” and noted that “too many nurses are not being compensated appropriately for the work they do”.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting revealed that all Band 5 nurses in England, the most common grade of NHS nurses, will have their roles and salaries reviewed, potentially leading to promotions. Streeting is expected to announce a series of measures aimed at helping nurses earn more and progress through the pay bands more quickly during their careers.
After engaging with all nursing unions, including UNISON, Unite, and GMB, as well as having an intensive period of discussions with the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), the largest nursing union, a series of transformative measures for the nursing profession have been agreed upon.
These measures include prioritizing an increase in graduate pay, reviewing the roles and pay bands for all Band 5 nurses, and establishing a single national nursing preceptorship. This preceptorship aims to create a cohesive national framework to support newly qualified nurses.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said in the announcement, “Nurses have been arguing that they deserve more recognition – and rightly so. They are essential for leading and delivering our 10 Year Plan for Health, yet many nurses are not being fairly compensated for the work they do.
“That’s why, this government is working constructively with the Royal College of Nursing to deliver a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work for nurses. I want to thank Nicola Ranger and her team for their constructive approach to talks – it’s clear that working together is in everyone’s interests, especially patients.
“I hope nurses feel heartened that this is a significant leap forward for their profession — and a sign of just how much the NHS and this government values them. Nurses were there for me when I had cancer – I want to be there for them.”
RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive, Professor Nicola Ranger, said: “Today’s announcement is significant progress on career progression for nursing staff. Too many are not being paid fairly and valued for their skills and responsibilities in caring for patients, too often starting and finishing their careers on the same low pay band.
“It is the first time nursing has been prioritised in this way. We set out a strong case for supporting nursing careers and the government has responded with a series of important commitments to staff in the NHS in England. For those who get a band uplift as a result, this is real change and real money.”
Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said: “These measures are a positive step for nurses – prioritising increasing graduate pay recognises the value and responsibility of nurses at the beginning of their careers, while a comprehensive review of Band 5 roles and bands will mean their pay and job descriptions better reflect their work.
“A new national nursing preceptorship – where newly registered nurses are guided by experienced practitioners – will provide stronger support as nurses transition into practice, helping to build confidence, capability, and retention across the nursing workforce.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates a clear commitment to valuing nurses, supporting their professional development, and investing in a sustainable nursing workforce for the future.”
This announcement comes ahead of discussions with health unions on improving the Agenda for Change pay structure, which the government has committed to fund following NHS Pay Review Body recommendations in both 2024 and 2025. Backed by a funded mandate from the government, unions and employers will agree changes to the Agenda for Change pay structure to benefit employees.
One of the conditions will be that pay for all graduates should be increased, with the NHS Staff Council deciding the level of uplift. This will not only benefit graduate nurses, but also other vital NHS professions such as occupational therapists, pharmacists, and speech and language therapists.
Every band 5 nurse will now have their role reviewed by their employer to make sure their pay and job description reflects the job they do. Additional funding will be made available to support the band 5 review process and any resulting salary uplifts – separate to the funding for the 2026/27 cost of living pay award and pay structure reform discussions.
The government will also review evidence to determine whether further action is needed to make sure all nurses are being paid fairly.
Alongside problems with pay, too few nurses are currently benefitting from structured career support right from their first graduate role. The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for England will lead work with unions, employers and stakeholders to improve the quality and consistency of preceptorships – 1-2-1 support programmes which give newly qualified nurses the best possible start to their career – across the country.
Dean Royles, Interim Chief Executive for NHS Employers, said: “We welcome this important commitment from the government to develop a national approach to preceptorship for newly qualified nurses. This approach will help make sure they receive the support they need during their first years working in the nursing profession. It is also only right that nurses are paid fairly for the invaluable work they do across the NHS.”
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