The government has published a call for evidence to seek views on a new pay scale for nurses. It will collate feedback from across the health sector on the merits of a separate pay structure for nursing staff in the NHS, considering both the risk and benefits of this approach.
The government says that it has "heard the concerns of nursing staff and their representatives about the challenges they face in terms of career progression and professional development".
The call for evidence will seek to understand whether the Agenda for Change contract - covering more than 1 million NHS workers such as nurses, midwives and paramedics, as well as other non-medical, workers - is creating specific barriers to the career progression of nurses and explore solutions that could be considered if the evidence shows there are issues with the current arrangements.
Health Minister Andrew Stephenson said: "We hugely value the work of nurses, who play a vital role in the NHS. We have listened to union concerns and are launching this call for evidence to explore the risks and benefits of a separate pay structure for nurses. I want stakeholders to share their expertise and help us collate feedback from across the healthcare sector, ultimately helping to make the NHS a better place to work."
This call for evidence, which runs for 12 weeks, will now provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to share their views and suggestions. The government will publish a response in due course.
Have your say at: https://consultations.dhsc.gov.uk/en/6571f32b81667534d30a1e49
