The Society of Radiographers (SoR) has welcomed the publication of the NHS Pay Review Body (PRB) report and the announcement that the headline pay recommendations will be accepted in full.
This means that NHS staff in England will receive a 3.6% pay increase, backdated to April 2025, with payments expected to begin from August.
While the same uplift is anticipated for staff in Wales and Northern Ireland, we are still awaiting confirmation on whether it will be fully funded and delivered to the same schedule.
'We are backing our health workers'
Health secretary Wes Streeting has also confirmed a “funded mandate” to support structural reform of the NHS Agenda for Change pay framework.
However, details of this commitment remain unclear. Given the devolved nature of health policy, it is also uncertain whether implementation in Wales and Northern Ireland will mirror that of England.
Mr. 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.
“Which is why, despite the difficult financial situation the nation faces, we are backing our health workers with above-inflation pay rises for the second year in a row. This government was never going to be able to fully reverse a decade and a half of neglect in under a year, but this year’s pay increases - and last year’s - represent significant progress in making sure that NHS staff are properly recognised for the outstanding work they do.”
'The end to uncertainty'
Recently, SoR members in Scotland accepted a separate agreement with the Scottish Government, delivering an 8% pay increase over two years.
Dean Rogers, SoR executive director of industrial strategy and member elations, said: “We welcome an end to the waiting and uncertainty around the 2025/26 NHS pay round. We’ll now review the full details of the offer, particularly the implications of the mandate for structural reform.
“We know how frustrating the wait has been. While we welcome the end to that uncertainty, the SoR will meet with other health unions next week to carefully review the full details of the award.
“After that, we’ll begin a formal consultation with members. This will include a series of briefings for SoR Representatives to support local engagement and ensure we fully understand the views of our members.”
Members are encouraged to regularly check their emails and visit the SoR website for further updates and details on how to take part in the upcoming consultation.
(Image: Wes Streeting)