As of June 2025, the NHS pay rise 2025 UK announcement has been confirmed, bringing clarity to the pay packets of NHS staff across England. The update for July 2025 was shaped by intense negotiations, with unions and the government aiming to balance fairness and budget realities.
This new pay deal addresses long-standing concerns about retention and staff wellbeing, while also responding to the ongoing cost-of-living pressures. It’s a moment of relief for healthcare workers who have been demanding real wage growth that matches the demands of their work.
Breaking Down the NHS Salary Bands 2025
The NHS operates on a structured pay system with different bands for various roles. From entry-level positions to highly specialised clinical posts, each band sees a targeted uplift this July. Here’s how the updated NHS salary bands 2025 look:
| NHS Band | Previous Annual Salary (2024-25) | New Annual Salary (July 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Band 2 | £22,383 | £23,500 |
| Band 3 | £23,159 | £24,320 |
| Band 4 | £25,147 | £26,380 |
| Band 5 | £28,407 | £29,890 |
| Band 6 | £35,392 | £37,100 |
| Band 7 | £43,742 | £45,580 |
| Band 8a | £50,952 | £52,800 |
| Band 8b | £58,972 | £61,000 |
| Band 8c | £71,473 | £74,000 |
| Band 8d | £88,884 | £92,000 |
| Band 9 | £105,254 | £109,500 |
These figures reflect the new reality for NHS workers and aim to bolster morale amid staffing challenges.
Who Benefits Most from the NHS July Raise?
The NHS July raise affects everyone from clinical support staff to senior managers. However, some of the biggest gains will be seen by Band 2 and Band 5 staff – including healthcare assistants and registered nurses. These roles have seen the greatest recruitment challenges in the last two years.
For more senior roles, the increases aim to keep pace with inflation and maintain parity with leadership positions in other public services. The UK healthcare pay landscape is constantly shifting, but this 2025 boost is designed to bring some stability and recognition for the critical work NHS staff perform daily.
What Else to Know: Additional Impacts
Beyond basic salary, the uplift also affects overtime rates, unsocial hours pay, and some regional weighting payments. This ensures that NHS staff working nights or in high-cost areas like London get a fairer overall package.
Pension contributions and incremental progression remain unchanged, meaning staff can still move up pay points within their bands, earning more with each year of service.
This comprehensive uplift is part of the wider NHS Workforce Plan, which aims to address workforce shortages and improve job satisfaction across all grades.
Conclusion: A Long-Awaited Boost for NHS Staff
The NHS pay rise 2025 UK marks a significant step forward in supporting NHS staff as they continue to deliver exceptional care across England. By addressing the concerns of thousands of workers, this pay rise is more than just numbers on a page – it’s a recognition of the vital role NHS workers play in our communities.
FAQs
How much is the NHS pay rise 2025 UK?
The average increase is around 5% across all bands, with some bands seeing higher adjustments.
When will the new NHS salaries be paid?
The new salaries will be reflected in July 2025 pay packets, with backdated adjustments for those who’ve been in post since April 2025.
Does this impact temporary or agency NHS staff?
No, the new pay rates apply only to permanent NHS employees on Agenda for Change contracts.
Will there be more pay rises in 2025?
Future pay increases will depend on government budget reviews and ongoing union negotiations.
How does this compare to past NHS pay rises?
The July 2025 raise is larger than previous years, reflecting cost-of-living adjustments and recruitment challenges.
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