Work underway on 2016/17 pay award - Hamilton

Date published: 9 February 2016

The Minister said today: "I have listened to, and recognise, the concerns expressed by nurses and other HSC staff in relation to pay and a range of workforce issues.

"In light of these concerns, I have reflected upon ways to secure an appropriate, fair and sustainable way forward for pay.

"Following discussions with the Royal College of Nursing, I am announcing a commitment to seek a recommendation from the Independent NHS Pay Review Body in respect of a 2016-2017 pay award.

"I will be recommending that the conclusions of the Independent NHS Pay Review Body are honoured in determining the 2016-2017 award. I believe that it is in the interests not just of nurses and other health service staff but also, perhaps more importantly, of the patients, clients and wider public whom we are all here to serve that we return to the Independent NHS Pay Review Body in respect of the 2016-2017 award.”

Northern Ireland Director of the RCN Janice Smyth said:

“The Royal College of Nursing understands the many challenges and competing demands faced by the Minister and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. We welcome the Minister’s decision to ask the NHS Pay Review Body to make recommendations on pay for 2016-2017 for all staff, including nurses, paid under Agenda for Change and employed within Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland. We believe that this is the fairest way to determine nurses’ pay.