The government has announced NHS staff will receive a 3.3% pay award for 2026/27, in line with Pay Review Body recommendations.
We say 3.3% is not enough. The government has issued a formal invitation to the NHS Staff Council to enter negotiations on the pay structure, with any increases backdated to 1 April 2026 if a deal is reached. The government has said their priorities are to improve pay for staff on the lowest pay bands and on graduate level pay bands across all professions.
UNISON’s elected committee of health workers has agreed to enter negotiations as they provide an opportunity - if government provides sufficient funding - to fix long-standing issues with the NHS pay structure. We will seek to improve on the 3.3% for as many staff as possible, and will formally consult all members on the outcome of these talks.
We can make the strongest possible case in negotiations when those in power hear directly from the people affected, allowing them to understand firsthand why reforms to the pay structure are urgently needed. We need your voice in the room so please take a few minutes to tell us your story.
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