An incoming uplift to the GP contract should be used to cover a 6% pay rise for general practice nurses (GPNs) in England, it has been confirmed.
The government this week announced it had accepted the recommendations of the Doctors and Dentists Remuneration Body (DDRB) to give a 6% uplift to all GPs, both salaried and partners.
It added that the pay element of the GP contract would be increased by 6% on a consolidated basis – made up of a 4% increase on top of the 2% interim uplift in April.
And it has now been confirmed that this award is intended to also cover a 6% increase for salaried practice staff, including GPNs.
It is not yet clear if those employed under the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme will be included.
On Tuesday, the Royal College of Nursing vowed to ensure GPNs were given a pay rise for 2024/25 that was ‘at least’ in line with the 5.5% due to be given to NHS nurses in England.
GPNs in England had also been promised a 6% pay rise by the government last year, but due to funding issues many nurses did not receive it – or any pay rise at all for 2023/24.
As GP practices are self-employed contractors to the NHS, it is for GP practices to determine uplifts in pay for their employees.
It is understood that the Department of Health and Social Care will consult with the British Medical Association (BMA) on the uplift to the GP contract and that further information will be available following these discussions.
