Fair Pay for Nursing
Find out more about the Fair Pay for Nursing campaign and how you can get involved
The campaign
Nursing is the largest safety-critical profession in health care, playing a vital role in patient care.
Despite this, nursing remains understaffed and undervalued. After years of underinvestment, the government must act urgently to protect patient care by protecting the profession.
You can make a difference
When politicians neglect nursing, they neglect patients. We need members and supporters to come together to achieve a safely staffed workforce. You can demand change today.
England strike ballot now open
Until 23 June, members employed on Agenda for Change contracts in the NHS in England have the chance to vote on strike action.
Ballot papers have been posted to members and must be returned by post using the pre-paid envelope before 23 June. Find out more in our FAQs.
The fight for fair pay
The Fair Pay for Nursing campaign is about:
- recognising that salaries of nursing professionals has consistently fallen below inflation – a fact which is being exacerbated by the cost of living crisis - and must now rise significantly to reflect that.
- valuing the training, qualifications, skills, responsibilities and experience demonstrated every day by nursing staff.
- ensuring that nursing is seen as an attractive, rewarding profession to tackle the tens of thousands of unfilled nursing posts.
- the campaign aims to secure a pay increase that is 5% above inflation (measured by RPI).
Governments’ response to this demand will indicate what they believe nursing staff who work outside of the NHS deserve too. We are clear that nursing staff deserve the same and fair pay no matter the setting or sector.
You can learn more about the history of the campaign and key milestones in our campaign timeline.
Funding our health and care system is a political choice. The government should make the right choice now.
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Tell us your story
Latest campaign news
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18 May 2023
RCN members take a stand over lack of political leadership for health service
RCN members will hold a demonstration at Stormont today, 18 May 2023, to voice their anger about the escalating crisis in health and social care, and the lack of political leadership and accountability for the system in Northern Ireland.
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15 May 2023
Treatment in corridors and waiting rooms ‘degrading’ for patients, say A&E nurses
The treatment of patients in inappropriate areas such as corridors and waiting rooms is increasingly common and compromises patient safety and dignity, emergency nurses have told the RCN.
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2 May 2023
RCN members vote to accept Four Seasons Health Care pay award
Almost three quarters of eligible members who voted chose to accept the offer.
Visit our Strike Hub
Stay up to date with new details about strike action, learn about strike benefit, donate to our strike fund and more.
Your strength is in your numbers
Our fight for fair pay in non-NHS settings
Become a member of the RCN
Join the world's largest union and professional body for nursing.
Page last updated - 14/04/2023
