News

Health Trade Unions are extremely disappointed that despite previous repeated commitments by the Health Minister and Executive to maintain pay parity for the health and social care workforce under Agenda for Change, the link to it has now been broken once again. NHS workers in England received their 2025/26 pay uplift in August, backdated to 1^st April, with workers in Northern Ireland still without any clarity as to when a pay uplift will be in place here.

Health Trade Unions have met with the Minister of Health Mike Nesbitt MLA to discuss the actions he is taking to secure funding for a 2025/26 pay uplift for the Agenda for Change (AfC) workforce, following the recommendations made by the Pay Review Body.

The Minister outlined the steps he had taken to date to secure the funding required for a pay uplift and that the issue is now with the NI Executive for consideration.

Members in Northern Ireland covered by the NJC pay framework will have received emails from UNISON inviting them to respond to the consultation on the NJC pay offer for 2025/26.

Employers have offered a 3.2% increase. UNISON, alongside other unions, had sought a pay increase of £3,000. Having received the employer’s offer, UNISON’s committee of leading activists agreed to launch a consultation of members with a recommendation that members reject the offer.

The new Immigration White Paper – what it means for you UNISON briefing 14 May 2025

UNISON is aware that there will be great concern and anxiety about the implications of the proposals announced by the Government. While we are still seeking further details and clarifications about the practical implications of the White Paper, we wanted to update you as soon as possible and underline our commitment to fighting for you and your rights.

Read the full briefing here