The UK Government has confirmed a 3.6% pay rise for NHS staff on the Agenda for Change pay scale, effective from 1 April 2026 and backdated for all eligible employees.
This increase follows months of negotiations and is slightly above the 3.5% rise initially predicted earlier in the year. Updated pay tables for each NHS pay band are now available.
How Much is the NHS Pay Rise for 2026/26?
The confirmed 3.6% increase applies across all Agenda for Change pay bands, though Band 2 and Band 3 staff have already received separate uplifts in January 2026 to keep salaries above the National Living Wage.
The government’s decision was shaped by:
Calculate Your 2026 COLA Increase →- Department of Health and Social Care recommendations: Initially suggested a 2.8% rise.
- NHS budget allowances: Funding set aside for staffing costs to rise 3–4%.
- Inflation pressures: CPI stood at 2.6% in December 2026.
- Union demands: Strong opposition to anything below 3%, with strike threats influencing negotiations.
When Will the Pay Rise Be Paid?
- Payment Date: August 2026
- Backdated to: 1 April 2026
- Back pay will include adjustments for tax and pension contributions.
Band 2 and Band 3 – National Living Wage Adjustment
From January 2026, staff in these bands received early pay increases:
- Band 2: +2.35% to £24,169
- Band 3 (less than 2 years): +2.3% to £24,625
These were applied before the national pay agreement, so August’s uplift will be smaller for these groups compared to higher bands.
Confirmed 2026/26 Pay Tables
Below is the confirmed national base salary for each band (excluding High Cost Area Supplements):
| Band | Experience | 2026/25 Pay | 2026/26 Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | All | £23,614 | £24,464 |
| 3 | 0–2 years | £24,072 | £24,939 |
| 2+ years | £25,674 | £26,599 | |
| 4 | 0–3 years | £26,529 | £27,484 |
| 3+ years | £29,114 | £30,162 | |
| 5 | 0–2 years | £29,970 | £31,049 |
| 2–4 years | £32,324 | £33,488 | |
| 4+ years | £36,483 | £37,796 | |
| 6 | 0–2 years | £37,339 | £38,682 |
| 2–5 years | £39,404 | £40,824 | |
| 5+ years | £44,961 | £46,580 | |
| 7 | 0–2 years | £46,148 | £47,809 |
| 2–5 years | £48,526 | £50,273 | |
| 5+ years | £52,808 | £54,709 | |
| 8a | 0–2 years | £53,754 | £55,690 |
| 2–5 years | £56,454 | £58,486 | |
| 5+ years | £60,504 | £62,682 | |
| 8b | 0–2 years | £62,215 | £64,455 |
| 2–5 years | £66,247 | £68,632 | |
| 5+ years | £72,299 | £74,902 | |
| 8c | 0–2 years | £74,290 | £76,964 |
| 2–5 years | £78,814 | £81,651 | |
| 5+ years | £85,601 | £88,682 | |
| 8d | 0–2 years | £88,167 | £91,341 |
| 2–5 years | £93,571 | £96,940 | |
| 5+ years | £101,677 | £105,377 | |
| 9 | 0–2 years | £105,480 | £109,277 |
| 2–5 years | £111,739 | £115,762 | |
| 5+ years | £121,270 | £125,636 |
High Cost Area Supplements (HCAS) – 2026/26
London and surrounding areas will continue to receive an additional percentage on base pay. These are also rising by 3.6%:
| Area | % of Salary | Min 2026/26 | Max 2026/26 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inner London | 20% | £5,610 | £8,465 |
| Outer London | 15% | £4,716 | £5,941 |
| Fringe | 5% | £1,303 | £2,197 |
NHS Pay Projections for 2026/27
While the 2026/26 deal is settled, early indicators point to a smaller rise next year, unless inflation rises sharply again.
Our projection (based on budget forecasts, union pressure, and wage inflation trends):
- Likely 2026/27 NHS pay rise: 2.5% – 3.0%
- Band 5 starter salary: Could increase from £31,049 to around £31,825 – £32,000
- Band 7 experienced salary (5+ years): Could rise from £54,709 to about £56,000
- National Living Wage impact: If it rises above £12/hour, Bands 2 and 3 may see higher percentage increases than other bands.
- HCAS: Expected to rise in line with the main pay award, keeping percentages the same but increasing the cash amount.
However, if the UK economy faces another spike in inflation or the NHS experiences renewed strike action, the government may offer a higher deal in 2026 to avoid service disruption.
