Call for views on separate pay spine for nurses
A new consultation has opened to seek views on whether nursing staff should be paid on a separate pay spine.
During last year's pay negotiations, concerns were raised about how the agenda for change (AfC) pay structure is affecting the career progression and professional development of nurses, and the direct impact that this is having on recruitment and retention.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) suggested that a new pay spine for nurses, separate to the current pay arrangements used for the rest of the AfC workforce, could address concerns with career progression and professional development of nurses.
The government is now seeking views and evidence from everyone to consider the benefits and challenges of a separate pay spine for nursing staff, and to explore other potential approaches to supporting the career progression and professional development of nurses.
This call for evidence is open to everyone. You can respond:
- as an individual member of the health and care workforce
- as an individual that is not a member of the health and care workforce
You will be asked a different set of questions depending on your role as a respondent.
The consultation closes at 11.59pm on 4 April 2024. You can respond by completing the online survey.
Background
AfC was introduced in 2004 and applies to all members of the non-medical workforce that are directly employed by NHS organisations (apart from very senior managers).