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<\/p>\n\n Wrexham.com > News\n <\/p>\n
Posted: Thu 20th Nov 2025 <\/p>\n
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Thousands of health care support workers across Wales are set to receive a pay rise after a national agreement was reached between trade unions, NHS employers and the Welsh Government.<\/p>\n
The agreement, negotiated through the Welsh Partnership Forum, follows long standing concerns that many Band 2 support workers have been carrying out duties beyond their job descriptions without appropriate pay.<\/p>\n
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Under the new framework, eligible Band 2 staff will be assessed and re banded to Band 3 where their duties match the national profile.<\/p>\n
Staff who have already been working at Band 3 level will receive backdated pay and recognition payments.<\/p>\n
The Welsh Government has committed funding to support the changes across NHS Wales.<\/p>\n
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Helen Whyley, RCN Wales Executive Director, said: \u201cThis agreement is a testament to the power of persistent, evidence-based advocacy, I\u2019m proud that RCN has led their voice collaboratively to this effort.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur members have been clear for years that the system was relying on their advanced skills without proper recognition.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is not just a pay uplift; it\u2019s a long overdue correction of value, respect and fairness for a workforce that is crucial to safe and effective patient care.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will continue to hold employers to account to ensure this agreement is delivered swiftly and consistently across Wales. \u201c<\/p>\n
Jackie Davies, RCN Wales Board Chair and Vice Chair of the RCN Trade Union Committee, said: \u201cOur health care support workers have carried the weight of this injustice.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow it\u2019s on the health boards to deliver this quickly. No delay, no excuses. Staff must get clear guidance, fair assessments and the pay they are owed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe welcome this agreement and are pleased that the Welsh government have stepped in to make sure that our members who have fought tirelessly for fair pay are finally recognised.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Welsh Government confirmed the national deal affects around 6,000 staff employed by health boards and NHS trusts.<\/p>\n
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Jeremy Miles said: \u201cThis national approach demonstrates our shared commitment to supporting the NHS workforce and ensuring staff are properly and fairly rewarded for the work they do.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis will help ensure job roles align with the appropriate pay bands, supporting fair working conditions for all NHS Wales staff.\u201d<\/p>\n
The framework will ensure updated job descriptions are in place for Band 2 and 3 roles.<\/p>\n
UNISON Cymru said an agreement with employers and the Welsh Government means staff on the lowest Agenda for Change band will be moved to Band 3 and paid for carrying out clinical duties that should have attracted the higher rate.<\/p>\n
The union said the workforce, which is predominantly female and low paid, had routinely been performing responsibilities beyond their job descriptions.<\/p>\n
UNISON encouraged staff to submit formal grievances to their health boards, setting out the work they had undertaken that would normally be graded higher.<\/p>\n
Healthcare support workers in Swansea Bay voted overwhelmingly for strike action, adding pressure on employers and helping secure a local pay settlement before a national deal was agreed.<\/p>\n
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board support worker Evie Fox Byrne said: \u201cOur work is vital in supporting patients and helping them recover. Health boards shouldn\u2019t be taking advantage of staff to save a few quid. This is money we were owed, dating back years.<\/p>\n
\u201cHealthcare assistants have gone above and beyond for many years, so receiving this recognition brings much-needed relief and support to everyone involved. This will make such a difference to me and my family, especially my little daughter. I\u2019m over the moon.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board support worker Caitlyn Utting said: \u201cIt felt energising to know that healthcare assistants in hospitals right across Wales were standing together against an employer that wasn\u2019t paying us correctly.<\/p>\n
\u201cUNISON backed us, we won and it feels great.\u201d<\/p>\n
UNISON Cymru head of health Tanya Bull said: \u201cThousands of low-paid healthcare support workers will savour this moment. They stood up for their right to be paid at the appropriate level for the job they\u2019ve been doing for years.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ve taken on their health boards and won. This is a triumph for people power.\u201d<\/p>\n
The national agreement was finalised at the Welsh Partnership Forum on Wednesday 19 November.<\/p>\n