Further strikes by ambulance staff and other NHS workers are suspended and unions will recommend acceptance of a new pay offer to NHS workers, they have announced.
Unison said the offer to NHS workers in England includes an additional one-off lump sum for 2022-23 that rises in value up the NHS pay bands. This is worth £1,655 for staff at the bottom of band two (for example porters, cleaners and healthcare assistants), £2,009 for staff at the top of band five (nurses, midwives, physiotherapists), £2,162 at the top of band six (paramedics, health visitors, senior occupational therapists) and £3,789 for staff at the top of band nine.
There will be a permanent 5% pay rise on all pay points for 2023-24. Unison said the lowest pay point in the NHS will be £11.45 an hour - 55p higher than the voluntary real living wage.
A joint statement from the Government and the NHS Staff Council said: "The Government and the NHS Staff Council - which brings together NHS employers and unions representing the Agenda for Change workforce - have completed negotiations and reached a final offer. This includes additional pay for 2022/23 and a pay settlement for 2023/24.
"Both sides believe it represents a fair and reasonable settlement that acknowledges the dedication of NHS staff, while acknowledging the wider economic pressures currently facing the UK. Those unions with mandates for industrial action - RCN, Unison, GMB, CSP, Unite and BDA - will now consult their members in consultations that will be held over the coming weeks. Strike action will continue to be paused while these ballots are ongoing."
Subscribe here for the latest news where you live
Royal College of Nursing general secretary Pat Cullen said: "The Government was forced into these negotiations and to reopen the pay award as a result of the historic pressure from nursing staff. Members took the hardest of decisions to go on strike and I believe they have been vindicated today.
"After tough negotiations, there are a series of commitments here that our members can see will make a positive impact on the nursing profession, the NHS and the people who rely on it. Our members will have their say on it and I respect everybody's perspective. Each should look closely at what it means for them.
"As well as the additional money now, we have made real progress with the Government on safe staffing measures, a new pay structure for nursing, support for newly qualified staff and pensions too. It is not a panacea, but it is real, tangible progress and the RCN's member leaders are asking fellow nursing staff to support what our negotiations have secured."
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Following months and months of unnecessary delay, the Government finally gets into the negotiating room. They need to take full responsibility for their dither and delay, which has caused unnecessary pain to both staff and patients in the NHS.
"It is clear that the Government has been forced into negotiations and the subsequent move because of strike action and the support of the public for the NHS. The offer from Government is not one that Unite can recommend to our members, but ultimately it is important that our members make the final decision. Unite will support members in whichever decision they now make. As Unite members are being consulted, strike action will be paused.
"It is clear that this Government does not hold the interest of workers or the NHS at heart. Their behaviour and disdain for NHS workers and workers generally is clear from their actions. Britain has a broken economy and workers are paying the price."
Health Secretary Steve Barclay said the offer amounts to "a fair pay rise", adding: "I hugely admire the incredible work of NHS staff, including during the pandemic and the progress they have made to tackle the resulting backlog. This offer will give nurses, paramedics, physiotherapists and other non-medical staff a fair pay rise while protecting our commitment to halve inflation. We have engaged in constructive and meaningful discussions with unions and NHS Employers and I look forward to continuing our work together to make the NHS a better place to work."
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said he is "really pleased" that the Government and unions have come to an agreement that will end the strike action.
"It is right that we reward our hardworking NHS staff, who showed bravery and dedication throughout the pandemic and continue to make phenomenal progress to tackle waiting lists," he said. "Importantly this deal is also affordable for the taxpayer and continues to deliver on my promise to halve inflation. We have taken a reasonable approach throughout and this offer is good for NHS staff, it's good for the taxpayer and most importantly it is good news for patients whose care will no longer be disrupted by strike action."
