The latest NHS pay rise for many NHS staff on Agenda for Change terms in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is a 3.3% consolidated pay increase from 1 April 2026.
This applies to many non-medical NHS roles, including nurses, midwives, paramedics, healthcare assistants, porters, administrative staff and allied health professionals.
The official NHS Employers 2026/27 pay scales show the updated annual and hourly rates effective from 1 April 2026.
Scotland has a separate NHS pay deal, with the Scottish Government NHS staff pay page listing a 3.75% increase from 1 April 2026 for staff covered by its 2025–2027 agreement.
In simple terms, the NHS pay rise is not one single UK-wide figure for every NHS worker. It depends on the worker’s role, contract, pay band and nation.
Last updated: 8 July 2026
What Is the Latest NHS Pay Rise?
The latest NHS pay rise for Agenda for Change staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 3.3% for 2026/27, effective from 1 April 2026.
This was confirmed through the 2026/27 pay award process. The Department of Health and Social Care explained in its NHS pay awards for 2026 update that nurses and other NHS staff, including midwives and paramedics, had received a 3.3% award for 2026/27.
For staff, this matters because the headline increase affects gross annual salary. However, the actual increase in monthly take-home pay depends on tax, National Insurance, NHS pension contributions, student loan deductions, overtime, allowances and any benefit entitlement.
Who Is Eligible for the NHS Pay Rise?
The 3.3% NHS pay rise applies mainly to NHS staff on Agenda for Change contracts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Agenda for Change is the national pay system used by many NHS staff who are not doctors, dentists or very senior managers.
The pay rise usually covers roles such as:
- Nurses and midwives
- Healthcare assistants
- Paramedics and ambulance staff
- Porters and estates staff
- Administrative and clerical workers
- Allied health professionals
- Radiographers, physiotherapists and occupational therapists
- Pharmacy, scientific and technical staff
- NHS managers on Agenda for Change terms
The House of Commons Library NHS pay and pensions briefing explains that the NHS Pay Review Body covers Agenda for Change staff, while the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body covers medical and dental staff.
Does the NHS Pay Rise Apply to Nurses?
Yes. Most NHS nurses on Agenda for Change contracts are included in the 2026/27 Agenda for Change pay award. That means many nurses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland received the 3.3% uplift from 1 April 2026.
However, a nurse’s actual salary depends on their band and pay step. For example, a newly qualified nurse is often on Band 5, while senior nurses, ward managers, specialist nurses and advanced practitioners may be on higher bands.
NHS nurses who also earn from bank shifts, agency work, private care, tutoring or online services should also understand the tax side of extra income.
Top Business Blog explains this in its guide to side hustles for NHS nurses, and staff with extra earnings can also read the guide on declaring side hustle income to HMRC.
NHS Pay Bands 2026/27: Agenda for Change Pay Scale
The table below gives a simplified view of the 2026/27 Agenda for Change annual pay rates. These rates are based on the published NHS Employers pay scales effective from 1 April 2026.
| NHS Band | Entry Pay | Intermediate Pay | Top Pay |
| Band 2 | £25,272 | — | £25,272 |
| Band 3 | £25,760 | — | £27,476 |
| Band 4 | £28,392 | — | £31,157 |
| Band 5 | £32,073 | £34,592 | £39,043 |
| Band 6 | £39,959 | £42,170 | £48,117 |
| Band 7 | £49,387 | £51,932 | £56,515 |
| Band 8a | £57,528 | £60,417 | £64,750 |
| Band 8b | £66,582 | £70,896 | £77,368 |
| Band 8c | £79,504 | £84,346 | £91,609 |
| Band 8d | £94,356 | £100,140 | £108,814 |
| Band 9 | £112,782 | £119,583 | £129,783 |
These figures are gross annual pay before deductions. They do not show take-home pay, overtime, unsocial hours payments, High Cost Area Supplements, London weighting, pension contributions or tax deductions.
When Will NHS Staff Receive the Pay Rise?
For Agenda for Change staff, the 2026/27 NHS pay rise applies from 1 April 2026. NHS Employers states that the updated 2026/27 pay scales are effective from that date.
In previous years, NHS pay awards were sometimes paid later and backdated. For 2026/27, the government said Agenda for Change staff would see the pay award in April pay packets.
Staff should still check their own payslip because payroll timing, arrears and local implementation can vary by employer.
Is the NHS Pay Rise the Same Across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland?
No. NHS pay is not always identical across the UK because health policy is devolved.
| UK Nation | NHS Pay Rise Position |
| England | Agenda for Change staff received a 3.3% uplift from 1 April 2026. |
| Wales | Agenda for Change staff are covered by the 3.3% 2026/27 award. |
| Northern Ireland | Agenda for Change staff are covered by the 3.3% 2026/27 award, but local payroll timing can differ. |
| Scotland | Scotland has a separate deal, with a 3.75% uplift from 1 April 2026 for covered staff. |
For Scottish NHS staff, the most relevant official page is the Scottish Government NHS staff pay guide, which sets out the 2025–2027 agreement.
Is the NHS Pay Rise the Same for Doctors?
No. Doctors and dentists normally follow separate medical and dental pay arrangements, not the standard Agenda for Change pay bands.
The House of Commons Library explains that for 2026/27, the government accepted Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body recommendations including a 3.5% increase to pay ranges and contract pay elements from 1 April 2026 for resident doctors and dentists, SAS doctors and dentists, consultants and salaried GPs.
Salaried dentists working in community dental services received a 3.75% increase.
This means a nurse, consultant, resident doctor, healthcare assistant and paramedic may all hear the phrase “NHS pay rise”, but the actual percentage and pay system may be different.
How Much Will NHS Staff Take Home After the Pay Rise?
The NHS pay rise increases gross salary, but the rise in take-home pay will usually be lower than the headline percentage.
Take-home pay may be affected by:
- Income tax
- National Insurance
- NHS pension contributions
- Student loan repayments
- Salary sacrifice deductions
- Overtime and unsocial hours payments
- London weighting or High Cost Area Supplements
- Tax code changes
- Universal Credit or other means-tested benefits
- Child Benefit High Income Charge where relevant
For example, a Band 5 nurse may see their annual salary increase, but the monthly net pay increase will depend on pension tier, tax code, student loan plan and whether they work overtime or bank shifts.
NHS staff with second jobs, freelance income or online earnings may also need to consider PAYE and Self Assessment rules. Top Business Blog explains this in its guides to side hustle tax in the UK, side hustle PAYE tax and the UK trading allowance.
Does the NHS Pay Rise Affect Universal Credit or Benefits?
It can. Universal Credit is means-tested, so higher earnings can reduce the amount paid in some cases.
A pay rise does not automatically remove entitlement, but it can change the monthly award depending on earnings, work allowance, housing costs, children, disability elements and other circumstances.
NHS staff who receive Universal Credit should check their Universal Credit journal and payslip information after the pay rise is applied.
Top Business Blog has separate explainers on side hustles and Universal Credit and side hustle benefits limits, which may help workers understand how extra income interacts with benefits.
For official benefit rules, staff should use the GOV.UK Universal Credit guidance or speak to a qualified adviser.
Why Are Some NHS Unions Unhappy With the Pay Rise?
Some NHS unions have criticised the 3.3% pay award because they argue it does not fully address cost-of-living pressure, workload, retention problems or historic real-terms pay concerns.
UNISON’s NHS pay campaign says NHS staff received a 3.3% award for 2026/27 but argues that it is not enough. The Royal College of Nursing fair pay campaign also highlights concerns about nursing pay, Agenda for Change and pay structure reform.
This is why the NHS pay rise is not only a salary question. It is also connected to recruitment, retention, staff morale, patient care, NHS funding and public sector pay policy.
Confirmed Facts, Proposed Changes and Misinformation
Because NHS pay is a YMYL employment topic, readers should separate confirmed facts from claims or rumours.
| Type | Explanation |
| Confirmed | Agenda for Change staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland received a 3.3% pay award for 2026/27 from 1 April 2026. |
| Confirmed | NHS Scotland has a separate 2025–2027 deal, including 3.75% from 1 April 2026. |
| Confirmed | Doctors and dentists are usually covered by DDRB arrangements, not Agenda for Change. |
| Under discussion | Unions continue to campaign on pay structure, real-terms pay and staffing pressure. |
| Do not assume | Every NHS worker receives the same percentage, same back pay or same take-home increase. |
| Be careful | Social media posts claiming special bonuses, hidden lump sums or extra NHS payments should be checked against official sources. |
The safest way to check a pay claim is to compare it with official NHS employer communications, payslip evidence, union updates and government announcements.
What Should NHS Staff Check on Their Payslip?
After an NHS pay rise, staff should check more than the headline figure.
Important payslip checks include:
- Whether the correct NHS band and pay step have been applied.
- Whether the effective date is correct.
- Whether any arrears or back pay are shown.
- Whether pension contributions have changed.
- Whether the tax code looks correct.
- Whether National Insurance deductions have changed.
- Whether student loan deductions have changed.
- Whether overtime, bank shifts or unsocial hours are correct.
- Whether London weighting or High Cost Area Supplements are included if relevant.
- Whether higher earnings affect Universal Credit or other benefits.
If something looks wrong, staff should contact payroll, HR, their line manager or union representative with their payslip, contract details and previous pay information.
NHS Pay Rise and Extra Income: What Staff Should Know?
The NHS pay rise does not stop NHS staff from earning extra income, but staff should check tax rules, employment policies and professional obligations.
NHS workers considering a side hustle, private work, tutoring, selling products online or freelance services should check:
- Whether their NHS contract requires permission for outside work.
- Whether the work creates a conflict of interest.
- Whether extra income must be declared to HMRC.
- Whether the trading allowance applies.
- Whether the income affects Universal Credit or benefits.
- Whether professional registration rules apply.
- Whether extra work affects rest periods, fatigue or patient safety.
For staff earning income outside their NHS job, Top Business Blog’s guides on registering as self-employed in the UK and side hustle expenses in the UK explain the basics.
Practical Example: Band 5 Nurse
A Band 5 nurse on Agenda for Change terms may receive the 2026/27 pay rise if they work in England, Wales or Northern Ireland under the relevant contract. Their gross annual salary depends on whether they are at the entry, intermediate or top Band 5 pay point.
However, their monthly take-home pay will depend on deductions. Two nurses on the same band may receive different net pay if one has student loans, salary sacrifice deductions, different pension contributions, overtime or a different tax code.
This is why staff should use the pay band table as a starting point, not as a final take-home pay calculator.
Practical Example: NHS Worker With a Side Hustle
An NHS administrator may receive the 3.3% Agenda for Change pay rise and also earn extra income from bookkeeping, tutoring, online selling or freelance work.
In that situation, the NHS pay rise is handled through PAYE, but the side income may need separate tax treatment. If trading income goes above the relevant threshold, the worker may need to tell HMRC or complete a tax return.
Top Business Blog covers this in more detail in its guides to side hustle earnings in the UK and HMRC side hustle crackdown.
AI Summary: NHS Pay Rise in Plain English
The NHS pay rise for 2026/27 is mainly a 3.3% increase for Agenda for Change staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from 1 April 2026. This covers many NHS workers, including nurses, midwives, paramedics, healthcare assistants and administrative staff.
Scotland has a separate NHS pay deal, including a 3.75% increase from 1 April 2026. Doctors and dentists are covered by separate pay review arrangements.
The actual take-home pay increase depends on tax, National Insurance, NHS pension contributions, student loans, overtime, allowances and benefits.
Final Takeaway
The latest NHS pay rise is a 3.3% Agenda for Change uplift for 2026/27 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, effective from 1 April 2026. Scotland has a separate NHS pay deal with a 3.75% uplift from 1 April 2026, while doctors and dentists follow separate pay review arrangements.
For NHS staff, the most important step is to check the correct band, pay step, contract type, country and payslip deductions.
The headline pay rise explains the gross increase, but the real financial impact depends on take-home pay, pension contributions, tax, overtime, allowances, benefits and any extra income.
FAQs About the NHS Pay Rise
What is the NHS pay rise for 2026/27?
The NHS pay rise for Agenda for Change staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 3.3% from 1 April 2026. Scotland has a separate 3.75% uplift from 1 April 2026 for staff covered by its NHS pay agreement.
Does the NHS pay rise apply to nurses?
Yes. Most NHS nurses on Agenda for Change contracts are covered by the Agenda for Change pay award. The exact salary depends on band, pay step and country.
Does the NHS pay rise apply to doctors?
Doctors and dentists are normally covered by separate DDRB pay arrangements, not Agenda for Change. For 2026/27, many medical and dental groups received a separate 3.5% headline uplift, while salaried dentists in community dental services received 3.75%.
When does the NHS pay rise start?
For Agenda for Change staff, the 2026/27 pay rise is effective from 1 April 2026.
Will the NHS pay rise be backdated?
For Agenda for Change staff, the updated 2026/27 pay rates are effective from 1 April 2026. If a worker’s payroll applies the increase later, they may need to check whether arrears are due.
Is the NHS pay rise the same in Scotland?
No. Scotland has a separate NHS pay deal. The Scottish Government lists a 3.75% increase from 1 April 2026 as part of its 2025–2027 NHS staff pay agreement.
Does the NHS pay rise increase take-home pay by 3.3%?
Not usually. The 3.3% figure is a gross pay uplift. Net pay depends on tax, National Insurance, pension contributions, student loan deductions and other factors.
Can the NHS pay rise affect Universal Credit?
Yes. Higher earnings can affect Universal Credit because it is means-tested. Staff who claim Universal Credit should check their journal and award statement after the pay change.
Where can NHS staff check their exact pay?
Staff should check their payslip, employer payroll notices, NHS Employers pay scales, union updates and local HR guidance.
Are NHS unions satisfied with the pay rise?
Some unions have criticised the 3.3% award and continue to campaign for stronger pay and pay structure reform.
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