Latest news with #DDRB
Wales Online
22-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Doctors and dentists in Wales get above-inflation pay hike
Doctors and dentists in Wales get above-inflation pay hike One union said the uplift 'comes nowhere near addressing' pay erosion over recent years Unions representing medics in Wales have shared their disappointment (Image: Western Mail ) NHS Wales doctors and dentists are set to get a 4% pay rise, it has been confirmed. Others working for the NHS will see a 3.6% increase, with each rise surpassing the current inflation rate of 3.5%. Jeremy Miles, Welsh Health Secretary, confirmed that both pay awards will be backdated to 1 April, 2025. The rises stem from recommendations made by the NHS Pay Review Body (NHSPRB) and the Doctors and Dentists Review Body (DDRB) for 2025 to 2026. The increases exceed the rate of inflation which rose to 3.5% in April, up from 2.6% in March and the highest since January 2024. They also align with those given to NHS staff in England. However, unions representing medics in Wales have shared their disappointment, calling the rises "too little, too late" and stating they come "nowhere near addressing pay erosion". Royal College of Nursing executive director Helen Whyley said: "The pay award announced by the Welsh Government today (22 May) comes almost two months after the Pay Review Body (PRB)'s report was delivered to the UK government. "The PRB's recommendations were accepted and nursing staff employed on Agenda for Change (AfC) contracts in Wales have been awarded a 3.6% pay increase across all bands, backdated to April 1, 2025. Article continues below 'This announcement has come far too late, leaving nursing staff waiting once again for recognition they urgently deserve. 'At a time when morale is already low and the pressures on the health service are immense, this delay only deepens the sense of disillusionment among our members.' Dr Iona Collins, chair of the British Medical Association's (BMA) Welsh Council said: 'The BMA has repeatedly provided evidence to reflect that NHS Wales doctors are undervalued and overworked. "The published pay increase of 1% above inflation comes nowhere near addressing the pay erosion of at least 19% over the last sixteen years. 'The DDRB and Welsh Government fail to recognise that doctors continue to experience the worst pay erosion in the public sector, which is not acceptable. "Similarly, the underfunding of the GMS contract leaves general practice in a precarious position, with financial remedy required immediately. 'Doctors are trying to get through the longest waiting lists on record and sacrificing their own health to do so, with high levels of exhaustion and burnout reported. "Now more than ever, doctors need pay restoration, which will help the profession feel appreciated for routinely going above and beyond. 'We will now digest the DDRB report and further consult with our members to gauge their views and consider our next steps. We have requested an urgent meeting with the Cabinet Secretary.' Article continues below
ITV News
22-05-2025
- Health
- ITV News
Doctors and dentists in Wales given 4% pay rise as Welsh Government announce NHS pay awards
Doctors and dentists working for the Welsh NHS will receive a 4% pay rise, it has been announced. Other NHS workers will get a 3.6% increase, with both uplifts above inflation which currently sits at 3.5%. Wales' health secretary Jeremy Miles has confirmed that both pay awards will be backdated to 1 April this year, with the pay rises are a result of recommendations made by the NHS Pay Review Body (NHSPRB) and the Doctors and Dentists Review Body (DDRB) for 2025-26. The increases, recommended by independent pay review bodies, are above the rate of inflation, which jumped to 3.5% in April, up from 2.6% in March and the highest since January 2024. These offers are in line with those given to NHS staff in England. The 4% rise will apply to the following groups: Staff who will see the 3.6% rise include nurses, cleaners, porters, and healthcare support workers. The independent review by the NHS Pay Review Body also made additional recommendations outside of pay, which will be considered separately. It was also announced that while pay rises for primary care workers including community pharmacies, NHS optometry and all staff working in general practice and dental teams was outside the scope of the recommendations, the Welsh Government said it wants to see a "fair and proportionate" rise across this sector. Jeremy Miles added: "While falling outside the scope of the DDRB recommendations, we want to see a fair and proportionate pay uplift across primary care, including community pharmacies, NHS optometry and all staff working in general practice and dental teams. "This is in recognition of the vital role primary care, and its staff, plays in delivering essential services to people throughout Wales. "I would like to extend my thanks to all NHS staff for their ongoing dedication and hard work. Your commitment to providing exceptional care and services is truly appreciated."
