Once again, parity has been broken in relation to Agenda for Change (AfC) pay in Northern Ireland. Despite repeated assurances last year from both the Minister of Health and the Stormont Executive, we now find ourselves falling further behind.
- From 1 August 2025, pay in England and Wales increased by 3.6% (backdated to 1 April).
- In Scotland, staff are even further ahead.
- Here in Northern Ireland, we have been told directly by Minister Mike Nesbitt and the Department’s Permanent Secretary, Mike Farrar, that there is no money in this year’s budget for a pay rise.
This is totally unacceptable – and NIPSA has made that abundantly clear.
A National Disgrace
Health workers in Northern Ireland are now among the worst paid across the entire public and private sector. Shockingly, the NHS here is the only public sector employer paying below the Real Living Wage for its lowest-paid staff.
Major retailers across Ireland pay more than our health service. For NHS staff to be lagging behind supermarkets is nothing short of a national disgrace.
What Happens Next
NIPSA’s Health Executive Panel met last week. The view was unanimous – pressure must be put on Government.
- If there is no progress or response by the end of September, NIPSA will move in line with our sister unions and seek a mandate for action through a ballot of our members.
- The form of this action will be determined by the Executive Committee.
- Industrial action is not a decision we ever take lightly – but when Government refuses to value NHS staff, it becomes necessary.
The Choice is Clear
Without pressure, there will be no pay rise. The Government has shown that warm words and promises mean nothing without action.
NIPSA members have never been found wanting when standing up for fairness and dignity at work. If we must ballot, we will know members will stand together once again.
Be prepared. Stay united. Together, we will demand the pay and respect NHS workers deserve.