Further to the announcement by the First Minister today about public sector pay, this statement provides further details of the pay awards for NHS staff on Agenda for Change contracts, for doctors and dentists employed in the NHS and for independent contractors.
We have accepted recommendations made by the NHS Pay Review Body (NHSPRB) and the Doctors and Dentists Review Body (DDRB) for 2024-25. This means NHS staff on Agenda for Change contacts, doctors and dentists will receive an above-inflation pay award, backdated to 1 April 2024.
The NHSPRB recommended a 5.5% increase for all Agenda for Change pay bands. Staff employed on these terms and conditions include nurses, cleaners, porters and healthcare support workers. In accepting these recommendations, we have committed to:
- Uplifting all pay points for Agenda for Change staff by 5.5% on a consolidated basis, from 1 April 2024.
- Adding intermediate pay points at Agenda for Change Bands 8a and above after two years.
- Working with the UK Government about how to take forward the pay review body recommendations on Agenda for Change pay structures.
Recognising the role of the Welsh Partnership Forum, we are accepting the second recommendation regarding the addition of intermediate pay points to bands 8a and above in principle but are asking the WPF to ratify it before it is implemented.
The DDRB recommended a 6% increase to salary scales, pay ranges and the pay elements of contracts from 1 April 2024. It also recommended an extra £1,000 be added to the pay points for doctors and dentists in training.
In accepting these recommendations, we have committed to:
- Uplifting pay points for doctors and dentists in training by 6% plus £1,000 on a consolidated basis.
- Uplifting the salaries of consultants by 6% on a consolidated basis.
- Uplifting the pay scales of specialist and associate specialist doctors on all contracts by 6% on a consolidated basis.
The recommended 6% pay uplift for contracted GPs and dentists is subject to overall contract changes for general medical services (GMS) and general dental services.
While falling outside the scope of DDRB recommendations, I want to see a fair and proportionate pay uplift across primary care, including community pharmacies, NHS optometry and all staff working in general practice and dental teams. This is in recognition of the vital role primary care, and its staff, plays in delivering essential services to people throughout Wales.
In line with the position of dentistry and GMS, uplifts will be subject to the negotiation of positive progress in contract arrangements that further our policy ambitions and strategic aims. My officials will engage in negotiations with representative bodies on the proposed uplift for this year as part of wider contract reform mandates in line with the government’s agenda.
I value and admire the hard work and dedication of all staff working in and for the NHS. This pay award recognises their value and their contribution to the NHS in Wales.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.