Following months of sustained pressure from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), the UK government has unveiled a significant funding package aimed at improving career progression and pay fairness for nursing staff in England. This announcement marks a pivotal moment for the nursing profession, addressing long-standing barriers to advancement.
Key Government Commitments
The Westminster government is committing to invest in the NHS nursing workforce through three primary initiatives:
- Increasing graduate pay – The government has directed the NHS Staff Council to prioritize graduate pay in upcoming structural reform negotiations. This includes nursing roles and all Agenda for Change graduates.
- Reviewing the work and salary of every nurse paid at band 5 – Every nurse at band 5 will have their role reviewed by their employer to ensure their band and job description accurately reflect their responsibilities. Many nurses are currently working at higher levels without fair compensation. Additional funding has been allocated to employers to support this review and the resulting salary uplifts, separate from the 2026/27 cost-of-living pay award.
- Establishing a single national nursing preceptorship – As part of the Chief Nursing Officer for England's professional strategy for nursing, a collaborative effort with unions, employers, and stakeholders will be launched to improve the quality and consistency of preceptorships nationwide. This initiative aims to ensure every nurse has the best possible start to their career.
Impact and Reactions
Professor Nicola Ranger, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive, emphasized the significance of this announcement: "This is significant progress on career progression for nursing staff. Too many are not being paid fairly and valued for their skills and responsibilities in caring for patients, often starting and finishing their careers on the same low pay band."
She added, "It’s the first time nursing has been prioritized in this way. We set out a strong case for supporting nursing careers, and the government has responded with important commitments to staff in the NHS in England."
Broader Context and Next Steps
Last year, RCN members voiced their concerns in record numbers, leading to direct advocacy with ministers and NHS leaders for fair pay, fair progression, and meaningful support throughout a nurse’s career. These government commitments represent a major step forward, investing in the infrastructure of NHS career progression for nursing staff.
Nicola Ranger highlighted the ongoing need for a fair pay deal: "Nursing is the safety-critical profession, and this investment is paramount for the effective running of the health service. We’ve been clear with the government that all nursing staff need progress in both their careers and their pay packets. Today, we have seen major investment in one big aspect of career progression, but we now urgently need a fair pay deal that values nursing too."
Alongside this work, the RCN will continue to support members across the UK with guidance on job evaluation as new nursing role profiles are implemented. It is crucial for nurses to keep their details, including current pay band, up to date on MyRCN.
For more information on these commitments and their practical implementation, visit the RCN campaign page.
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