Written - Implementation Of Pay Review Body Award In Wales

On 13 June, the National Assembly endorsed a motion, with the support of all political parties, calling for implementation of the full pay increase for nurses, as recommended by the Pay Review Body.

I made it clear, in that debate that for pay reviews to be credible, employees have to have confidence in the system and in its outcome. I am, and remain, a strong supporter of the national collective decision-making processes which set pay levels for nurses and others in the NHS. I have no intention of departing from Wales’ participation in this machinery.

However, my remarks at the 13 June debate reflected the many representations which I had already received about the failure to implement the Pay Review Body recommendations in relation to nurses pay.  

These representations have come directly from constituents, from Assembly Members and the Royal College of Nursing and Unison.  That is the reason why I wrote to the Secretary of State for Health urging her to reopen discussions with the Treasury to provide additional resources to meet the Pay Review Body proposals.  Regrettably that request was refused.

Since the debate I have held further meetings with RCN and Unison who have both subsequently written to me to confirm that by paying the full 2.5% and honouring the recommendations of the Pay Review Body, the Welsh Assembly Government would materially assist in addressing issues of staff morale which Assembly Members had identified as a key issue.

I have decided therefore to accept the full 2.5% pay award for Nursing and other Health Professions and all Agenda for Change staff with effect from 1 April.   The additional cost will be managed as an in-year pressure within the Health and Social Services budget.