UPDATE ON AGENDA FOR CHANGE PAY 2026-27 – PAY REVIEW BODY RECOMMENDATIONS PUBLISHED

The Pay Review Body recommendations on Agenda for Change (AfC) pay for 2026/27 have been published, with a 3.3% pay uplift recommended.

In Northern Ireland the Health Minister has stated that it is his desire to proceed with the 3.3% uplift for the AfC workforce in 2026/27. The Minister has also stated his commitment to progress towards HSC becoming a Real Living Wage employer, alongside honouring the commitment previously made to funding for independent sector adult social care workers who provide direct care in order to deliver the Real Living Wage for them.

However, the Minister has also stated that whilst it is his firm ambition that pay increases will be received as early as possible in 2026/27, he can only deliver on them when clear about the Department of Health budget. The Executive has not yet agreed its budget for 2026/27. UNISON will be seeking clarity from the Minister and the Department of Health on when HSC workers can expect a 2026/27 pay uplift to be put in place.

The Minister has stated that pay will be first priority in the budget and it must be ensured that unacceptable delays that have been experienced in pay uplifts in recent years are not repeated. Commitments made on the Real Living Wage must be delivered.

The level of the pay uplift recommended by the Pay Review Body is disappointing, given recent levels of inflation and the cost of living pressures the workforce face.

The UNISON NI Health Care Service Group will meet to consider its next steps soon and we will keep members updated as the situation for 2026/27 develops.