The Society of Radiographers has shared the reasons behind its decision to take part in the NHS Pay Review Body process for 2026-2027, despite all other Agenda for Change unions withdrawing.
Each year the NHS Pay Review Body (PRB) makes recommendations to the government on changes to NHS Agenda for Change (AfC) staff, including radiographers.
As part of the pay review process, the 14 unions that represent staff on Agenda for Change contracts, including the SoR, submit evidence to the PRB to inform any recommendations.
But for the 2026/27 review, 13 of the 14 unions have announced they will not be providing evidence to the PRB, citing frustration with the review process.
The Society of Radiographers, however, has announced it will still be submitting evidence as planned.
‘Protect our members’ interests’
Dean Rogers, SoR executive director of industrial strategy and member relations, said: “The Society of Radiographers will remain in the PRB process to protect our members’ interests while wider structural talks continue, which we also continue to contribute to through Staff Council [a body responsible for the AfC pay system, with representatives from both employers and trade unions].
“The government has said the PRB will still make a recommendation for 2026–27, and we see no conflict in providing evidence to influence that outcome.
“With pay awards at risk of delay and radiography services already under severe pressure, we cannot miss any chance to press the case for fair pay, pay restoration, and urgent investment in recruitment and retention,” Mr Rogers continued. “Staying engaged ensures our members’ voices are heard and keeps the principle of an independent pay review alive, even as we push for deeper reforms.”
Earlier this month, the 14 Agenda for Change unions, including the SoR, the Royal College of Midwives, Unite and Unison, wrote to health secretary Wes Streeting in a joint statement, asking him to make good on a promise he made last year to address issues with pay across the NHS.
Dean also said the SoR is supportive of the collective discussions and is aware that addressing complex problems with the AfC structure will take time.