NHS employers in England will review the jobs of all their band 5 nurses, to ensure the work they do is reflected in their pay and job description
NHS employers’ reviews of band 5 nurse roles may result in pay and banding uplift for many Picture: iStock
Every band 5 nurse in England’s NHS is to have their role reviewed to check their pay and job description reflects the job they do.
Employers are to start the reviews as soon as possible and the RCN said band 5 nurses relied on to practise at a band 6 level of clinical expertise should see a pay increase. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) confirmed additional funding will be available and any resulting salary uplifts will be separate from funding for the 2026-27 pay award as well as pay structure reform negotiations.
The DHSC conceded that too many nurses have been working at a higher level than their pay, with the RCN criticising the current role evaluation process as adversarial.
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Band 5 nurse role reviews: ‘real change and real money’
College general secretary Nicola Ranger said the announcement marks a significant step forward in improving career progression for nursing staff.
‘Too many are not being paid fairly and valued for their skills and responsibilities, too often starting and finishing their careers on the same low pay band. It is the first time nursing has been prioritised in this way. For those who get a band uplift as a result, this is real change and real money,’ she said.
Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting said: ‘Nurses have been arguing they deserve more recognition, and rightly so. They are essential for leading and delivering our 10 Year Health Plan for England.’
Preceptorship for all newly registered nurses
Other measures to support nurses’ careers include establishing a universal preceptorship programme for newly registered nurses.
- RELATED: Hundreds of band 5 nurses upgraded but thousands more wait
The announcement comes after the government committed to increased graduate entry-level pay on Agenda for Change (AfC). Ministers have asked the NHS Staff Council to prioritise the issue in forthcoming negotiations on reforming AfC.
Chief nursing officer for England Duncan Burton said increasing graduate pay would help recognise the value and responsibility of nurses at the beginning of their careers.
Unison head of health Helga Pile said a national preceptorship programme was long overdue.
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