Following confirmation from the Interim Permanent Secretary Mike Farrar, that the Department of Health faces a £614.7 million funding gap for 2025–26, NIPSA sought further clarification on why funding has not been made available to implement the 3.6% pay award recommended for all HSC staff.
Despite an additional £200 million being allocated to Health this year, the Department has advised that this increase is insufficient to meet escalating pressures across the Health and Social Care (HSC) system. These pressures include increased national insurance contributions, national living wage costs, high-cost drugs, inflation, and rising service demand.
Departmental Response and Ramifications
In response to NIPSA’s request for clarification, the Department restated that the 3.6% pay award remains “unaffordable” within the current financial limits.
While the Minister has issued a Ministerial Direction instructing that the pay award be implemented in full, the Department confirmed that no additional funding has yet been approved by the Northern Ireland Executive to cover the cost.
This means:
- HSC staff in Northern Ireland remain the only health workers in the UK who have not received the 2025–26 pay uplift.
- The Department cannot legally proceed with payment until the Executive approves additional funds.
- The delay directly undermines pay parity with colleagues in England and Wales, where the award has already been implemented.
NIPSA’s Position
NIPSA has made clear to both the Department of Health and the HSC Trusts that this situation is unacceptable.
Our members have endured years of underfunding and pay increases delayed, and this latest delay represents a further erosion of fairness and respect for HSC workers.
NIPSA has formally notified the Department and HSC that unless the 3.6% pay award is implemented in full without further delay,we will ballot our members for industrial action, in coordination with our sister health unions.
What Happens Next
- NIPSA will continue to press for full funding and immediate implementation of the 3.6% pay uplift.
- We are engaging with other recognised health unions to ensure a united and coordinated approach.
- Members will receive further updates as soon as there is any movement from the Department or Executive.
- Preparations for a formal ballot are already underway should the situation remain unresolved.
Message from NIPSA
“The funding exists elsewhere in the UK — it should exist here too. Our members deliver essential health and care services every day, and they deserve equal recognition and fair pay. NIPSA will not stand by while Northern Ireland’s HSC staff are left behind.”