Pay rise for thousands of healthcare support workers in Wales

Thousands of healthcare support workers (HCSWs) in Wales are set to receive a pay rise following an agreement between trade unions, NHS employers and the Welsh Government.

According to an announcement by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Wales, the deal will see eligible staff working for the NHS in Wales move from Band 2 to Band 3, recognising the clinical duties many have been undertaking without appropriate remuneration.

The agreement, made through the Welsh Partnership Forum, means all eligible Band 2 HCSWs will be assessed and re-banded to Band 3 where their duties match the national profile.

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The deal also includes backdated pay and recognition payments for those who have already been carrying out Band 3 responsibilities.

The Welsh Government has committed funding to support the implementation of the agreement across NHS Wales, according to the announcement.

RCN Wales has called on health boards to carry out assessments and payments by mid-2026. Employers are expected to issue guidance to eligible staff in the coming weeks.

Jackie Davies, chair of the RCN Wales Board, said: ‘We welcome this agreement and are pleased that our members who fought tirelessly for fair pay are finally recognised.

‘It’s about respecting the vital roles health care support workers play and the skills that keep patients safe and cared for.’

Helen Whyley, RCN Wales executive director, added: ‘Our members have been clear for years that the system was relying on their advanced skills without proper recognition.

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‘This is not just a pay uplift; it’s a long overdue correction of value, respect and fairness for a workforce that is crucial to safe and effective patient care.

‘We will continue to hold employers to account to ensure this agreement is delivered swiftly and consistently across Wales.’

Unison Cymru said the move had come about after a long-running campaign by the union.

Unison Cymru head of health Tanya Bull said: ‘Thousands of low-paid healthcare support workers will savour this moment. They stood up for their right to be paid at the appropriate level for the job they’ve been doing for years.

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‘They’ve taken on their health boards and won. This is a triumph for people power.’

Earlier this year, the RCN set out new definitions for nursing support worker roles, separating them into two levels in a bid to offer ‘greater clarity’. The move came as the RCN recognised instances where staff have been expected to work ‘beyond their defined roles’ or ‘outside their scope of practice’.