NHS pay rise 2026/27

England: 3.3%

The government accepted the NHS Pay Review Body's recommendation in full in February 2026. Agenda for Change staff in England receive a 3.3% consolidated uplift, paid in April salaries in line with payroll lead times.

Separate pay structure changes, such as raising pay for the lowest bands and improving graduate pay, were still being discussed through the NHS Staff Council. NHS Employers says any agreed changes would be backdated to 1 April 2026.

Scotland: 3.75%

Scotland negotiates its own deal. The 2026/27 award is 3.75% from 1 April 2026, following a two-year agreement that covered 2025/26 and 2026/27 and includes an inflation guarantee.

The Scottish government's published hourly rates are consistent with a 36-hour full-time week, compared with 37.5 hours in England, so Scottish pay points are not directly comparable with English ones.

Wales: 3.3%

Wales accepted the 3.3% recommendation for 2026/27, applied from 1 April 2026.

Northern Ireland: pending

The Pay Review Body recommended 3.3% for Northern Ireland as well. The Health Minister said in February 2026 that he intended to proceed but could only commit once his budget position was clear.

Reports in October 2026 said the award had not yet been implemented and no payment date had been set. If it is paid, it is expected to be backdated to 1 April 2026. Check with your employer or the Department of Health for the latest position.

What it means for a Band 5 nurse in England

A full-time Band 5 employee at the entry point earns £32,073 a year, which is about £2,040.25 a month after pension, tax and National Insurance.