The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is set to make ‘urgent representations’ to ensure general practice nurses (GPNs) are given a pay rise in line with the 5.5% announced for those working in the NHS.
In an email to members today, seen by Nursing in Practice, RCN general secretary and chief executive Professor Nicola Ranger also promised to demand action from the government over last year’s pay debacle for GPNs.
It comes after the government accepted in full the recommendations of the NHS Pay Review Body to award NHS staff on Agenda for Change (AfC) contracts in England a 5.5% pay rise for 2024/25.
Most GPNs will be excluded from this rise because they are independently employed by GP practices and largely not on AfC.
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Separately, the Doctors and Dentists Remuneration Body (DDRB) has recommended a pay rise of 6% for GP partners and salaried GPs.
According to the government, the ‘pay element’ of the GP contract will be uplifted by 6% on a consolidated basis – which is made up of a 4% increase on top of a 2% interim uplift in April.
The government has not yet confirmed if this will include funding for pay rises for employed general practice staff, including nurses.
Professor Ranger said: ‘All nursing staff who provide NHS services should receive an award of at least [the 5.5% given to AfC staff], no matter where you work.
‘Your hard work and commitment to delivering quality care in general practice cannot be ignored.’
She added: ‘That’s why, in the coming days, I’ll make urgent representations to make sure funding is made available, so that you benefit from a 2024/25 pay award of at least this amount.’
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In addition, she said she was aware that many GPNs are yet to receive the promised 6% pay increase from last year.
‘This is unacceptable,’ she said.
‘As part of my discussions, I’ll demand that the new government takes action to remedy this,’ added Professor Ranger.
‘To turn around an NHS gripped by workforce shortages, it’s crucial that we turn around nursing pay for everyone providing NHS services.
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‘As demand for care continues to rise, the government cannot shy away from investing fully in our profession.’
