NHS pay rise 2026: What we know

It’s been formally announced that NHS workers in England and Wales will receive a 3.3% pay rise in 2026.

The announcement has been contested by health unions, but has come much earlier than in previous years.

It will apply to all NHS workers other than doctors, dentists and senior workers.

Here’s what we know so far about this year’s pay rise.

A rise that divides opinion

The Department of Health and Social Care had originally put forward less than 3.3%, but following a consultation they agreed to this adjusted rate.

However, the rate of inflation according to the Consumer Price Index is actually slightly higher at 3.4%.

The government claims inflation will settle at 2%, making this an above-inflation increase if that becomes the case.

But health unions are unsatisfied. And they’re especially unsatisfied when it comes to staff on lower bandings, who they believe face hardships that this pay increase will do nothing to tackle.

Is deeper reform needed?

Health unions have been campaigning for a bigger, more far-reaching change in how the current banding system works. They believe that, most critically, it fails to adequately support those NHS workers on lower bandings.

So although the 3.3% increase is confirmed, campaigning and discussions will continue. The government has suggested it is making plans for longer term changes in Agenda for Change, but detail is currently lacking.

Further announcements can be expected throughout 2026 - and it isn’t inconceivable that an alternative to Agenda for Change starts to take shape later this year.

When will the pay rise take effect?

The proposed 3.3% pay rise will come into effect from 1st April.

This year, the announcement has come before the new financial year, meaning back payments won’t have to be made.

In recent years the announcements have tended to come during the Summer.