Northern Ireland Health Workers Secure Pay Increase Amid Budget Challenges

Health workers in Northern Ireland are set to receive a pay rise, as confirmed by Finance Minister John O'Dowd.

 

Addressing the Northern Ireland Assembly, O'Dowd stated he is collaborating with Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to secure the necessary funding for the pay uplift.

 

In May, Nesbitt approved £200 million for pay awards but indicated that additional funding would need to be sourced externally due to existing financial pressures.

 

Health pay in Northern Ireland is a devolved matter, and in recent years, health workers have engaged in strike actions to advocate for pay parity with their counterparts across the UK.

 

O'Dowd emphasized the government's commitment, stating, "We all want to see health workers get their pay rise that they deserve. They should not be in the position of having to consider strike action to get pay awards that they are entitled to."

 

He criticized the UK government for "failing to provide sufficient funding for public services" and assured that efforts are underway to secure the pay uplift for health workers.

 

SDLP assembly member Colin McGrath expressed frustration over the delays, highlighting that the pay rise was due on April 1, and it's now October.

 

O'Dowd responded by emphasizing the collaborative efforts between ministers to resolve the issue, expressing confidence that the pay rise will be successfully delivered.

 

In related developments, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt announced in February 2025 the approval of the full 12-month pay award for Health and Social Care staff, backdated to April 1, 2024.

 

However, as of September 2025, concerns have resurfaced regarding pay parity. NIPSA reported that, despite previous assurances, health workers in Northern Ireland are again lagging behind their counterparts in England, Wales, and Scotland.

 

They highlighted that, from August 1, 2025, pay in England and Wales increased by 3.6%, while Northern Ireland's health workers have been informed that there is no budget for a pay rise this year.

 

In response, NIPSA has indicated plans to ballot members for potential industrial action if no progress is made by the end of September.

 

Assistant Secretary Kevin Kelly emphasized the urgency, stating, "Without pressure, there will be no pay rise. The Government has shown that warm words and promises mean nothing without action."

 

As the situation develops, health workers and unions continue to advocate for fair compensation, underscoring the critical role these professionals play in delivering public services in Northern Ireland.