Two-fifths (44%) of GP nursing employees in England did not receive a pay rise at all for 2023/24, according to research by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).
Its survey of nearly 1,500 GP nursing staff across the country also found that overall, 77% of respondents did not receive the full 6% pay increase promised by the UK government in July 2022. Of the small number who did receive a pay rise, 19% did not have their pay backdated to April 2023.
The findings also found that those who did not receive the pay award have been left feeling undervalued, with some considering leaving the profession.
Nursing professionals employed by general practices do not have the same pay, terms and conditions as their NHS counterparts. Employment terms are set by each practice and sometimes only include statutory sick pay and statutory maternity leave.
The government made funds available to practices for the 6% pay rise in November and December 2023 through an increase of the Global Sum, which based on patient numbers. The RCN stated that some practices raised concerns that they did not have enough funds to cover the pay rise, so it called on the government to commit to additional funding if nursing staff were left without at least 6%.
Patricia Marquis, director at RCN England, said: “The survey findings reveal the need for immediate government intervention. The RCN has written to the health secretary and health minister to demand action and submitted evidence to the spring budget on the issue. 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. Relations between nursing staff and the government have never been so strained.”