Health Foundation comments on expected NHS pay deal

The Health Foundation has commented on the expected pay deal for NHS Agenda for Change staff.

Anita Charlesworth, Director of Research & Economics at The Health Foundation, said: 

‘NHS pay has not kept pace with inflation for the last seven years as health care professionals have borne much of the brunt of austerity. Capping pay was a stop gap measure to protect front line care but it has run its course. The NHS has substantial recruitment and retention problems.

‘While the expected new pay deal for Agenda for Change staff is good news, it will not on its own solve the NHS's workforce problems. An increasing number of nurses are leaving the health service because of concerns about workload, quality of care and work-life balance.

‘Funding a pay increase is a positive sign that the concerns of the workforce are being listened to, but it must be part of a wider programme of engagement and support for nurses and other NHS workers.

‘A nationally-led workforce strategy for health and care staff is needed to train and retain the right number of staff and support NHS employers to employ and keep the right workforce for their local needs.’

Media contact

Jack Cutforth
jack.cutforth@health.org.uk
020 7664 4623