A mandate has been provided to the NHS Staff Council for negotiations by the Governments of England, Wales and Northern Ireland following the recommendation from the NHS Pay Review Body.

Unison head of health and chair of the joint health unions Helga Pile said: ‘Unions have been calling for talks to fix pay for months. Getting these in place is a step forward, albeit a year and a half after they were promised.

‘NHS workers have been deeply disappointed by this year's 3.3% pay award, which has already been overtaken by inflation. But there's now the prospect it could be improved through addressing longstanding problems with the pay structure.'

Dean Royles, interim chief executive at NHS Employers, said: 'This is a significant moment for the NHS.

‘Negotiations involving NHS employers, working alongside governments and the health service unions, will commence shortly with the goal of ensuring that the AfC pay structure remains fit for purpose. This will enable the health service to recruit and retain a skilled workforce that can continue to deliver high-quality patient care.'

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: ‘The Agenda for Change contract must be fit for purpose, not just for the 1.4m NHS staff under it, but also to ensure we can attract and retain a skilled NHS workforce for years to come.

‘The Government will discuss with health unions how to address long standing pay structure issues, especially concerning pay for graduates and the lowest paid NHS staff. Any pay uplifts agreed will be backdated to April.

‘These negotiations demonstrate what can be achieved when trade unions work together with Government for the benefit of dedicated NHS staff.

‘We will not be providing a running commentary on discussions over the coming months but are confident of a continued constructive approach from all sides which has bought us to this point.'