However unions responded with anger with RCN Wales saying nurses were 'outraged' to hear the pay award is well below inflation yet again and made 'a ground-breaking decision' to move directly to strike ballot on industrial action.

UK inflation – the rate at which prices rise – currently stands at 9.4% and is predicted to reach 11% by the autumn. The Doctors' and Dentists' Review Body (DDRB) agreed to increase pay by 4.5% for junior doctors, consultants, GPs, and dentists employed directly by health boards. For the lowest paid staff (bands one to four), which make up nearly half of the Agenda for Change workforce, this will on average equate to a 7.5% pay rise on pay grades.

The Welsh Government said the pay recommendation would be on top of the real living wage top-up previously announced which came into effect in April. All NHS staff on Agenda for Change contracts – including nurses, cleaners, porters, healthcare support workers, and healthcare professionals – were told they will get a £1,400 pay rise on most pay grades. NHS staff at Wales' biggest healthcare union will be balloted over strike action saying they feel 'let down' by the Welsh Government's latest pay offer.

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