NHS Employers responds to the government accepting recommendations of the DDRB
Responding to the government accepting the recommendations of the Doctors' and Dentists' Pay Review Body, Dean Royles, interim chief executive at NHS Employers, said:
"The government has accepted the recommendations of the Doctors' and Dentists' Pay Review Body (DDRB), but the announcement comes as the BMA announce another round of industrial action by resident doctors, meaning significant uncertainty for patients, employers and staff over the busy Easter period.
"Pay awards are an important part of supporting recruitment and retention, and it's helpful to understand the recommendations of the DDRB at the start of the financial year. This award is higher than anticipated and NHS trusts are already under significant financial pressure, with many having to make difficult decisions to balance their budgets. It is therefore vital that there is early clarity to employers on how the award will be funded, so services are not impacted and further cuts are avoided.
"In our evidence to the DDRB we highlighted the importance of maintaining morale and cohesion across the whole workforce. While this year’s pay awards across different staff groups are broadly aligned, it remains important to consider how pay decisions are understood and experienced across different staff groups, including those on Agenda for Change contracts such as nurses, allied health professionals and support staff. The NHS works as a single, integrated workforce and perceptions of fairness remain important in ensuring morale and motivation.
"We do need to consider how we develop a more joined-up approach to pay setting, with closer alignment between the independent pay review bodies, so that decisions better reflect the reality of a workforce delivering care together."
