Our response to the NHS PRB recommendations for AfC staff

Responding to the announcement that the government has accepted the NHS Pay Review Bodies’ (NHS PRB) headline pay recommendations for all NHS Agenda for Change (AfC) staff, Dean Royles, interim chief executive of NHS Employers, said:

“This early acceptance by the government of the Pay Review Bodies' recommendations will ensure that for the first time in many years, all NHS Agenda for Change staff will receive their annual pay uplift at the very start of the pay year in April. In previous years it has been as late as September or October, so this will be welcomed by many. A fair and timely award is also essential for retaining experienced colleagues and attracting new talent into the NHS.

“However, NHS employers continue to navigate an increasingly challenging financial environment while maintaining high-quality patient care. NHS trusts are right now in the midst of submitting their medium-term financial, service and workforce plans. They will have prepared for the award being less than the 3.3 per cent that has been announced, so it is essential that that the funding of the award is clarified as soon as possible.”