The Government’s pay offer followed intense negotiations with the RCM and other health unions. It builds on the consolidated £1,400 – or 4% for most RCM members – pay award already imposed for 2022/23. The offer included a non-consolidated lump sum of 2% of an individual’s salary, plus a one-off ‘backlog bonus’. The lump will be worth at least worth at least £1,250, with many midwives receiving over £2,000. For 2023/24 there will be a consolidated 5% pay award and an increase to band 1 and the bottom of band 2 of 10.4 per cent. This will see entry-level pay in the NHS increase to £11.45 per hour, bringing a much-needed uplift for lower paid staff, says the RCM.
