NHS workers have been disappointed once again by the Conservative Government, which left office without implementing the scheduled pay award for April 1, 2024. Their reliance on the NHS Pay Review Body rather than negotiating with health unions has resulted in NHS workers missing out on this year’s pay increase, with the lowest-paid just barely above minimum wage. GMB has expressed concerns to the Secretary of State about the delayed pay round and its effects on GMB members, and you can read the response here: health-secretary-to-gmb-20-may-24.pdf.

With the General Election announced, purdah rules prevent the current government from making any pay decisions, so the Pay Review Body cannot submit their recommendation until a new government is elected on July 4. The new government will then review the report and decide on the pay award. GMB will keep campaigning and lobbying all election candidates to ensure the new government understands our expectations regarding NHS pay.