Update – Agenda for Change pay and the Real Living Wage
UNISON NI is campaigning to tackle low pay across our health and social care services. Far too many of our members suffer from persistently low pay and we are determined to see that change through demanding that the Real Living Wage be set as the minimum standard across health and social care.
The Real Living Wage is calculated based on the real cost of living by the Living Wage Foundation, with it currently set at £13.45 per hour. UNISON NI is calling for the Real Living Wage to be embedded in Agenda for Change (AfC) pay, terms and conditions.
Over recent weeks we have received commitments from the Health Minister that the HSC will pay the Real Living Wage in 2026/27 and that any uplift required will be backdated to 1st April 2026. This will be taken forward as part of talks due to commence shortly involving UNISON NI on the reform of Agenda for Change across Northern Ireland, England or Wales, or if required by a Northern Ireland specific model.
Whilst the Health Minister has stated a desire to proceed with the 3.3% pay uplift on AfC pay recommended by the Pay Review, there is no clarity as to when this will be in place, with the Executive yet to agree its budget. This 3.3% is not enough, but workers cannot be left behind on pay.
UNISON NI will be holding the Minister to commitments made and will be pressing for the Real Living Wage to be introduced as soon as possible.