Northern Ireland Healthcare Staff to Receive Pay Increase
Healthcare workers in Northern Ireland are set to receive a pay rise that will bring their salaries in line with colleagues across the rest of the United Kingdom, according to Health Minister Mike Nesbitt.
The increase follows recommendations made by independent pay review bodies in April. Nursing staff in the region had previously indicated they were prepared to take industrial action if the recommended 3.6% rise was not implemented.
Speaking about the development, Mr Nesbitt explained that the Northern Ireland Executive has authorised the delivery of pay parity for health service employees. The percentage increases, as suggested by the pay review bodies, will be applied retrospectively from 1st April 2025.
Health and social care workers are expected to see the uplift and backdated payments reflected in their February 2026 salaries.
The Health Minister has also pledged to prevent similar delays in future by ensuring pay awards are given priority in budget allocations at the beginning of each financial year, with adjustments made as required to maintain parity.
Medical representatives have acknowledged the approval of the outstanding pay increase, though they have expressed disappointment at the length of time taken to reach this resolution. There are hopes that healthcare worker remuneration will be given greater priority in future budget planning, with concerns raised about the strain placed on professional goodwill during the delay.
Nursing representatives met with Mr Nesbitt recently to discuss the matter. They have welcomed confirmation that pay parity will be restored for healthcare staff, noting that the loss of equivalence with UK colleagues had been a source of considerable frustration among their members.
The commitment to avoid future delays in pay award implementation has been particularly welcomed, though professional bodies have indicated they will examine the proposals in detail before making final recommendations to their membership.
The Health Minister had previously authorised the 3.6% pay rise in line with Pay Review Body recommendations in May, though funding challenges within the department meant additional resources needed to be secured from the power-sharing Executive.
By the previous month, only half of the required funding had been identified, with discussions continuing to find the remaining amount.
Alan Perry, GMB Senior Organiser, said:
“This looks like a massive step forward for Northern Ireland’s health workers to have pay parity with colleagues across Great Britain. GMB will wait for more details about the before consulting with our members.
“But we must say it is hugely disappointing that it’s taken so long to resolve this.
“We sincerely hope lessons have been learnt and pay will be prioritised in next year’s budgeting process.”
