What the new deal means for healthcare support workers in Wales

Why is this happening?

Back in August 2021, the NHS Staff Council made it clear where the line sits between Band 2 and Band 3 roles.

• Band 2 means providing personal care.
• Band 3 means providing clinical care.

UNISON members in Wales have pushed for these national changes to be applied fairly and consistently across every health board. This agreement makes that happen.

What does ‘in scope’ mean?

If you’re currently employed on a Band 2 substantive contract, you’re in scope for this agreement.

If you’ve moved to a different role or left NHS Wales since then, you’re not included.

Is it just people in jobs called health care support workers?

No. If your job falls under the nursing and midwifery profiles, you’re covered by this agreement.

That includes you and your colleagues working in:

• the community
• maternity services
• theatres
• critical care
• with babies, children and young people
• and many other settings.

I work on the bank. Am I in scope?

No, this agreement doesn’t cover bank contracts or shifts.

If you have a bank contract with an NHS organisation, any shifts that involve Band 3 duties should be paid at Band 3 rates rather than Band 2.

However, bank workers aren’t eligible for the corrective payment or the recognition payment.

What do the new job descriptions say?

You can read the new All Wales job descriptions here.

They set out clear, consistent expectations for every healthcare support worker role across NHS Wales.

What if I want to stay as a Band 2?

If you’d prefer to stay on Band 2, you can. There will be no detriment to you and your workplace and conditions will stay the same.

You’ll receive an updated Band 2 job description so you’re working to the latest All Wales version for your role.

Do I get a recognition payment if I stay as a Band 2?

Yes. If you’re in scope and have been carrying out Band 3 duties, you’ll still receive the recognition payment.

What happens next?

You will be asked to go through a short validation process. This is a light-touch check that simply confirms the Band 3 duties you are already doing. It is not a test or an interview.

• Validation is the first step in making sure you are recognised for the work you actually do.
• If you are a Band 2 healthcare support worker carrying out any Band 3 duties, you should be validated.
• The validation process identifies anyone doing Band 3 work and, where needed, helps put a development plan in place so you can gain any extra clinical skills required.

Band 3 validation tool

Guidance for staff

What if I believe I’m doing Band 3 duties but my assessment says I’m not?

You can appeal the decision by completing the banding appeal form.

You have 21 days from the date you receive the formal outcome to appeal. Write to the Head of Nursing or Midwifery for your area of work.

Your union can support you through this process. If you’re a UNISON member, get in touch with your local branch.

What if I already had a promotion to Band 3?

If you were promoted from an in-scope Band 2 role to a Band 3 role within the 24 months before 1 January 2025, you may still benefit from this agreement.

If you can show that you carried out clinical duties for two years before your promotion, you may be eligible to move directly to the top of Band 3.

How will I know how much my employer will pay me in corrective and recognition payments?

After your employer confirms that you’re working at Band 3 level, they’ll write to you explaining:

• Which point on Band 3 you’ll move to.
• Any training pathway needed to carry out the full duties of a Band 3 role.
• The amount of back pay included in your corrective payment.
• The recognition payment based on your current contractual hours and total service before 1 January 2025.

The table below shows the amount you’ll receive based on your service.

When will I receive my corrective and recognition payments?

Each employer will work with UNISON locally to assess Band 2 roles and process payments, so the exact timing may vary.

However, under the All Wales collective agreement, all assessments, re-banding, corrective payments and recognition payments must be completed by 31 July 2026.