NHS staff in Wales have been given a 3.3% pay award for 2026/27.
Inflation is higher and bills are rising faster than wages.
For many NHS workers, this is another real-terms pay cut.
Healthcare assistants, nurses, porters, cleaners, ambulance staff and admin workers keep the NHS running every single day. But pay has fallen behind for years. Workloads have increased, vacancies remain high and morale is stretched.
This cannot continue and this campaign is about changing that.
Why 3.3% is not enough
Welsh Government says the award is above CPI inflation. But CPI does not include many of the real costs NHS workers face such as housing costs, rail fare, student loan repayments, many mobile phone and broadband contracts.
When those costs are included, inflation is higher. That means 3.3% will likely be swallowed up before it even reaches your bank account.
For years, NHS pay in Wales has lagged behind Scotland. The Pay Review Body process has consistently delivered below-inflation rises. Staff are expected to do more with less.
What needs to change
We need:
- A pay rise that reflects the real cost of living
- Direct negotiations on NHS pay
- Proper funding to reform the Agenda for Change pay structure.
When NHS workers act together we can build pressure which forces the government to respond.
This campaign is about you and your colleagues
Winning better pay will only come from NHS workers talking to each other. Building confidence in every ward, department and team. Then taking action together.
That is why this campaign is focused on:
- Workplace conversations
- Identifying leaders in every team
- Building small networks of colleagues who stay connected.
Every conversation matters.
Planning your pay conversations
How you can get involved today
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Join your branch WhatsApp community
This is the fastest way to get updates and hear what’s happening across Wales, be ready if decisions need to be made quickly and to stay connected to the campaign.
Check your email for the invite link.
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Talk to a colleague about pay
Start with one simple question: “How is pay affecting you right now?”
Listen first and let people say what is frustrating them.
Then ask: “Do you think things would change if more of us acted together?”
What to say to your colleagues about pay
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Make sure your contact details are up to date
To take part in consultations or ballots, your details must be correct on my.unison.org.uk.
Update your:
- Personal email
- Mobile number
- Postal address
- Workplace and job title.
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Encourage non-members to join
The more NHS workers involved, the stronger the pressure. If someone is not yet a member, now is the time to join.
Building power in every workplace
We need conversations about pay to be happening in NHS workplaces across Wales.
That means:
- Identifying trusted colleagues
- Keeping groups small and connected
- Making sure everyone is spoken to directly
- Following up quickly after every action.
When workers speak to each other, campaigns grow stronger. This is how we prepare for whatever comes next.
When NHS workers act together, we are much harder to ignore.
