Nursing Pay Rise 2023: What We Know So Far

Ahead of a possible nursing pay rise, this article details what this will mean in real money terms for nurses, the background surrounding this proposal and the outcome in relation to the effects of inflation.

Yet again, nursing pay is in the headlines.

And this time it’s because a 5% pay rise has been offered to NHS staff in England, starting from April.

All NHS nurses, and all NHS workers except doctors (who are on a different contract), will receive a 5% pay rise, if this new deal is approved by union members.

As ever, there’s slightly more to it than meets the eye, and it isn’t fully confirmed yet. But here’s a brief summary of what we do know.

A 5% Pay Rise For NHS Nurses, Starting In April 2023

All NHS nurses, and all NHS workers except doctors (who are on a different contract), will receive a 5% pay rise, if this new deal is approved by union members.

The unions have recommended that members back it after many months of talks and strikes. So it’s highly likely that this pay rise will be approved.

…And A One-Off Payment Of At Least £1655

A further one-off payment of at least £1655 is also on offer, which is a top-up payment for last year’s pay award.

For perspective, £1655 will be for the lowest paid workers on Band 1 but increases through the bandings to £2400 senior roles like Nurse Consultants, and as high as £3789 for managers and directors.

What’s The Background To All This?

The average pay rise granted last year was 4.75%, with the lowest paid receiving the biggest rises.

But as inflation peaked, nursing and health unions demanded as much as a 14% pay rise for 2023/24, which would now be an above-inflation pay rise.

With inflation having recently stopped, and with the government confident about halving it from 10% to 5%, this pay rise now looks to be in line with inflation. That’s likely why unions have been quick to encourage members to accept it.

Is The Current Pay Dispute Now Done And Dusted?

Not quite.

Firstly, the fact the unions think this pay rise is reasonable doesn’t mean members have to agree.

Secondly, the fact this pay rise is acceptable to both the government and unions is built on inflation halving – and no one knows for sure whether that will actually happen.

If inflation decreases faster than expected, there will be critics suggesting the pay rise is too generous. And if it doesn’t come down as hoped, nurses may not feel the benefit – and the dispute could rise again.

Share Your View

As a nurse, what do you feel about this pay rise? Will you be agreeing to it?

Let us know your view – because it’s your view that really matters.