The NHS is set to face another crucial pay round decision, with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care formally starting the process by sending a remit letter to the NHS Pay Review Body (NHSPRB) for the 2027-28 financial year. This move will ultimately determine salary increases for over one million NHS staff across England, including nurses, paramedics, allied health professionals, and other clinical and non-clinical workers.
The remit letter outlines the government's priorities and parameters for the pay round, although these specific details have not been made publicly available. These documents typically guide the NHSPRB in making recommendations on pay, taking into account factors like inflation, recruitment challenges within the NHS, the wider economic context, and the government's fiscal targets. The independent advisory body provides recommendations to ensure fair remuneration while considering the affordability and sustainability of the health service.
This early engagement for the 2027-28 pay round follows a period of significant industrial action and ongoing discussions regarding NHS pay in recent years. The government's proactive approach aims to give ample time for the NHSPRB to gather evidence, consult with stakeholders, and formulate its recommendations, usually submitted to the government in the spring ahead of the new financial year.
The NHSPRB plays a critical role in navigating the complex landscape of NHS staffing, public finances, and the cost of living. Its recommendations are crucial for ensuring the NHS can continue to attract and retain the skilled workforce it needs to deliver patient care. The body typically receives evidence from various organisations, including NHS Employers, trade unions representing NHS staff, and the Department of Health and Social Care itself, before arriving at its conclusions.
The current average basic salary for a full-time NHS nurse in England is around £35,000, according to recent NHS Digital data. This figure varies significantly by band and experience. Ensuring competitive pay is vital, especially with ongoing pressures on the NHS workforce, including high vacancy rates and an ageing population requiring more complex care. As of March 2026, there were approximately 1.2 million staff directly employed by NHS trusts and support organisations in England, highlighting the vast number of individuals whose livelihoods will be impacted by these decisions.