NHS Nurses pay rise 2022: government falls behind schedule for second year running

"A recently published survey found that under 6% of midwives felt that there were enough staff within their service to do their job properly – down from 18% in 2020."

Officially, all NHS staff should have had a pay rise confirmed and in place for 1 April 2022. That’s how the Agenda for Change system should work.

But as we enter early summer in the UK, it’s looking suspiciously like there will be serious delays in decisions being made – just like last year.

In 2021, Nurses’ pay rises weren’t confirmed until late July.

So, are there any signs that a decision is coming?

“Up to 3%”

The government suggested in February that NHS workers would receive a 3% pay rise at the most – and no formal announcement has come since.

But in the last few months, the cost-of-living crisis has worsened – and inflation has risen sharply.

Mortgage rates are rising, and energy bills are at a historic high. And international instability is having a negative effect on the price of almost everything.

Various unions are trying to capitalise on the worsening situation, pressuring the government to make a decision that’s more in-line with inflation. Because at this point, 3% looks like a real-terms drop in wages.

400 NHS staff quitting every week

13 health unions have joined forces to pressure the government into a more generous pay increase, coming under the banner of ‘With NHS Staff’.

In a recent letter, they also stated that one in 10 NHS posts is currently vacant and that 400 staff are quitting every week.

They’ve also drawn a clear link between pay challenges and the growing struggle to attract and retain staff. Unions have also highlighted specific challenges in midwifery in relation to pay.

A recently published survey found that under 6% of midwives felt that there were enough staff within their service to do their job properly – down from 18% in 2020.

The study suggests that staff shortages might be even more pronounced in midwifery that in nursing.

Ultimately, the delays in the government’s decision are making a difficult situation even worse.

Have your say

As always, we’re eager to hear what Nurses at the frontline think about their pay.

What do you think would be a reasonable increase? Let us know below.

Also, we recently updated our NHS Pay Calculator so it shows you take home pay following the changes to National Insurance contributions.

For all information about UK nursing salaries go to our NHS Pay Scales page.