SoR members are being encouraged to share their thoughts on NHS England’s latest pay award, which will see radiographers receive a 3.6 per cent pay increase.
Those eligible to share their thoughts will be invited via email to complete a consultation survey where they can vote on whether they accept the 3.6 per cent pay award. If you believe you are eligible, and have not received an email about the survey, contact tuir@sor.org.
Last month, the SoR welcomed the news of the pay award, which was announced as part of the NHS Pay Review Body (PRB) report. As part of its roll out, NHS staff in England will receive a 3.6% pay increase backdated to April 2025. Payments are expected to begin from August.
‘Vital’ for members to share their thoughts
Leandre Archer, SoR head of industrial relations, said it is critical for members to participate in the pay award consultation.
“The consultation on the 2025–26 NHS pay award is now open, and it’s vital that all our members working in the NHS in England take part,” she said.
Ms Archer continued, “The UK Council has recommended acceptance of this award, which includes a pay rise above inflation and a commitment to begin structural reform of the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system.”
“For too long, the current pay structure has failed to reflect the true value of the radiography workforce and other NHS staff.”
“Promotions often result in minimal financial gain, and inconsistencies in banding discourage career progression. This is a rare opportunity to shape a fairer, more transparent pay system that supports recruitment, retention, and professional development across the NHS. I would encourage all our members to respond to the consultation and tell their colleagues to respond and have their voice heard.”
Agenda for Change funded mandate
Ms Archer continued, “The UK Council has recommended acceptance of this award, which includes a pay rise above inflation and a commitment to begin structural reform of the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system.”
Alongside the pay award announcement, the government also confirmed that it would commit to a funded mandate, which will support structural reform of the Agenda for Change system. Details of this funded mandate are not yet clear.
Announcing the pay award, health secretary Wes Streeting said: “These are thoroughly deserved pay rises for all our hard-working nurses, doctors and other NHS staff. We inherited a broken health service with extremely low morale after years of pay erosion and poor industrial relations.”
Earlier in May, union members across unions in Scotland accepted a separate deal that will see an 8% pay increase over the next two years. Radiographers in Scotland will receive a pay increase of 4.25 per cent from 1 April 2025 and 3.75 per cent from 1 April 2026.
The SoR consultation for this deal garnered a 93 per cent approval.