Almost half of nursing staff in GP practices had no pay rise last year, says RCN

By Alan Jones, Reporter8th February 2024News EnglandNews England, Nursing / Midwifery, Pay and Conditions, Primary Care / GP's, Workforce

Almost half of general practice nursing staff in England received no pay rise for the last year despite the promise of a 6% increase, a study suggests.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said a survey of almost 1,500 nursing staff employed by GP practices also found that three in four have not been paid the full amount.

Staff feel undervalued, with some considering leaving the profession, said the RCN, which called for an overhaul of the pay system.

GP practices decide whether to pass on the full amount as their staff have different pay, terms and conditions from those in the NHS, the RCN pointed out.

RCN England director Patricia Marquis (pictured) said: “Relations between nursing staff and the Government have never been so strained.

“Nursing pay needs a fresh start – staff report feeling undervalued and undermined after over a decade of pay restraint, and late pay awards.

“The Government should be valuing the role nursing staff in primary care play, instead of leaving them short-changed.

“They keep communities healthy, detecting disease early, reducing hospital admissions, and preventing more patients from ending up at A&E.

“If the Government was serious about addressing waiting lists, it would immediately provide ring-fenced money to fund the full 6% pay increase it promised general practice nursing staff.”