Nurses and other NHS staff to receive a 3.3% pay rise

The government has announced a 3.3% pay rise for about 1.4 million NHS staff in England for the next financial year, excluding doctors, dentists and senior managers. Several health unions said the award is below current inflation and expressed disappointment.

NHS staff in England have been offered a 3.3% pay rise for the next financial year, the government has announced. The award covers about 1.4 million workers, including nurses, midwives, physiotherapists and porters, but excludes doctors, dentists and senior managers. The Department of Health and Social Care said it accepted the independent pay review body's recommendation to show commitment to NHS staff. The government also said the increase will be in pay packets by the start of April. Known details: - The 3.3% rise applies to around 1.4 million NHS employees in England, excluding doctors, dentists and senior managers. - Unions including the Royal College of Nursing and Unison described the increase as below the current consumer price index inflation of 3.4% and expressed disappointment. - The government said its forecast for inflation in the coming year is about 2% and characterised the award as above that forecast. - A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson conveyed appreciation for NHS staff and confirmed timing for the pay increase. - No announcement has been made about doctors' pay; the pay body that advises on doctors' pay is reported not to have delivered its report to ministers yet and talks with the British Medical Association are ongoing. - The article notes the BMA has a mandate for further strike action and that there have been 14 strikes so far in the dispute. Summary: The 3.3% award updates pay for most NHS staff and has been presented by ministers while drawing criticism from several unions as being below current inflation. The rise is due to appear in pay packets from the start of April. Decisions on doctors' pay remain pending while the pay body and ministers continue their processes and negotiations with the British Medical Association.