Health workers in England and Wales will be asked if they will be prepared to strike if their delayed pay deal fails to match rising living costs, Unison announced today.

The pay review body’s recommendation for the 2025/26 increase was handed to ministers at the end of last week. 

But ministers’ decision to stick with the “painfully slow” pay review body process means staff are still in the dark about what they’ll be getting and when, Unison says.

This year’s rise was already due two weeks ago. 

Unison points out that in Scotland, where the pay review body process was abolished in 2018, NHS workers are paid several thousand pounds more than their counterparts in England and Wales. 

Last week, pay negotiations between the Scottish government and unions concluded with a two-year offer above the cost of living, which comes with an inflation guarantee.

Unison head of health Helga Pile said: “Scottish health workers already earn more than their colleagues in the rest of the UK and they could be set for a wage boost before everyone else too.

“That’s bound to raise questions about whether ministers in Westminster have got their priorities right.”

In a consultation this week, Unison will gauge support for strikes if the government’s offer falls short.

Ms Pile added: “The fact that health workers are having to consider what action they would be prepared to take on pay should be a wake-up call for the government. 

“The NHS needs staff to help it back onto its feet and reduce waits for patients. With so much at stake ministers need to show they value the workforce.”

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We will carefully consider the recommendations before responding.”