Union emphasises this must be the beginning and not the end of pay restoration

Members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, have today approved the government’s proposal on NHS pay. 

Unite members working in NHS in Wales voted in favour the Welsh government’s decision to offer a 5.5 per cent pay increase for 2024/5. 

Start of pay restoration not end

Unite is clear, however, that the pay increase needs to signal the start of pay restoration and the proper valuing of NHS staff. Above inflation pay rises are essential in all future pay rounds until pay restoration is achieved. 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “NHS staff are the bedrock of our health care system - without their dedication, hard work and commitment the NHS simply doesn’t exist.

“Government needs to understand the foundations of this acceptance are fragile and there is still much to be done to restore the NHS workforces’ confidence in politicians.”

Agenda for Change pay structure reform still needed 

Unite is seeking urgent action on the commitment by the UK & Welsh governments to a funded mandate to resolve outstanding concerns within the Agenda for Change pay structure. This is long overdue and much needed, and the union reiterates its position that this work needs to start now.

Unite Wales lead officer for health Daryl Williams said: “The commitment for pay increases being paid on time in 2025 is very welcome. It is essential that this happens - trust cannot be broken on this point which is crucial to the lowest paid in the NHS.

“Unite will continue to hold Welsh the government to its 2023 commitment of pay restoration for NHS staff.”

ENDS

For media enquires ONLY contact senior Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215 or 020 3371 2065. 

Email: ryan.fletcher@unitetheunion.org

  • Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.