Separate pay structure risks further damaging morale

The Department of Health and Social Care is considering creating a separate pay scale for nursing staff and has opened a consultation to seek views from stakeholders and unions. We are deeply disappointed at this proposal as it risks creating divisions across the NHS workforce and is counter to the notion of equitable multidisciplinary teams.

We recognise that Agenda for Change is not perfect, but the proposal of a new pay structure for nurses is unhelpful and risks further damaging staff morale. We will be consulting with other AHP bodies and UNITE to seek a more constructive and collaborative way forward.