The process was formally launched with the Government writing to the eight pay review bodies, including those representing NHS workers, doctors and dentists.

In his letter to the NHS Pay Review Body (PRB), health secretary, Wes Streeting, said: ‘My department will continue to strive to deliver on our manifesto commitment to build an NHS fit for the future, to ensure it is equipped to efficiently deliver the vital, high quality public service we rely on, while ensuring value for money for taxpayers.'

The Government plans to announce pay awards as close to the start of the pay year on 1 April for 2025 to 2026.

Streeting added: ‘It is unfortunate that, given the knock-on effects from the previous Government's delays to the 2024 to 2025 round, it is unlikely that workforces will receive pay increases by April, but by bringing the pay round forward this year, we can more fully reset the timeline in 2026 to 2027.'

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in late July she had accepted the recommendations of the PRB, awarding a 5.5% consolidated pay increase across all bands for 2024-25. This is expected to be paid this month and backdated to 1 April 2024.

RCN members working for the NHS in England have voted to reject the 2024/25 pay award.