NHS nurses to see pay increases and improved support after government and RCN secure agreement on comprehensive career reforms

NHS nurses across England are finally getting the recognition many have long been calling for.

Following months of talks, the government and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) have agreed on a comprehensive package designed to improve pay, career progression, and support for nurses at all stages of their careers.

The move comes as part of efforts to strengthen the workforce behind the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, ensuring patient safety and improving outcomes, while addressing long-standing concerns over pay and career development.

Graduate Pay and Band 5 Role Overhaul

One of the headline changes is a focus on graduate nurses.

Starting salaries will be increased to reflect the responsibility and importance of their roles, ensuring new nurses are valued from the very start of their careers.

Alongside this, every Band 5 nurse will have their role reviewed to ensure pay and responsibilities are properly aligned.

For many, this could mean real pay increases and clearer career pathways — something that has been overdue in the NHS, where nurses often carry out higher-level work without the corresponding pay.

National Preceptorship to Support New Nurses

Another major step forward is the establishment of a single, national preceptorship programme.

This structured support system pairs newly qualified nurses with experienced practitioners, helping them transition confidently into practice.

Experts say preceptorship is critical not just for building skills, but also for improving retention, boosting morale, and ensuring consistent standards across the NHS.

Leaders Praise the Agreement

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the importance of fair compensation and support, noting that nurses were essential in his own recovery from cancer.

“Nurses have been arguing that they deserve more recognition – and rightly so,” he said.

RCN General Secretary Professor Nicola Ranger highlighted that this was a historic step for nursing careers, providing long-awaited pay progression and recognition.

Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, described the package as “a positive step” for valuing responsibility, building capability, and retaining staff.

Unions and Nursing Bodies Welcome the Move

The announcement has been widely welcomed by unions and nursing organizations.

UNISON praised improved starting pay and the Band 5 review as key measures for addressing underpayment and making nursing more attractive as a graduate profession.

GMB and The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing echoed support, highlighting the importance of fair pay and structured development pathways.

Meanwhile, the Florence Nightingale Foundation emphasized that national preceptorships would help create a resilient and confident nursing workforce, directly supporting the long-term sustainability of the NHS.

Beyond Nurses: Wider Impact on NHS Professions

While the focus is on nurses, the reforms will also benefit other graduate-level NHS roles, including occupational therapists, pharmacists, and speech and language therapists.

The government is committed to funding these changes, separate from the ongoing Agenda for Change pay discussions.

This coordinated approach ensures that the NHS can retain skilled professionals, reduce staff turnover, and offer clear career progression for healthcare workers across the board.

What’s Next?

Following this announcement, unions, employers, and government bodies will continue discussions on wider pay reform through the Agenda for Change framework.

Implementation of graduate pay increases, Band 5 role reviews, and the national preceptorship will take place in stages, aiming to ensure all nurses receive fair treatment and strong support as they advance in their careers.

Summary

The government and RCN have unveiled a major package to boost NHS nurses’ pay, career progression, and support systems.

Key measures include higher graduate salaries, a comprehensive Band 5 role review, and a national preceptorship programme.

Widely praised by unions and nursing organizations, these reforms aim to recognize the essential work nurses do, support professional development, and build a sustainable workforce for the future.