11 February 2026 – Luke Myer MP has welcomed a major new deal between the Labour Government and the Royal College of Nursing that will boost graduate pay, review the roles of thousands of Band 5 nurses, and guarantee structured one-to-one support for every newly qualified nurses

In Parliament and locally, Luke has consistently argued that the NHS can only be rebuilt if the people who keep it running are properly valued. Today’s package follows months of talks between the Health Secretary, nursing unions and NHS leaders, and comes ahead of wider negotiations on reforming the Agenda for Change pay structure.

Under the deal, every Band 5 nurse in England – around 44% of the nursing workforce – will have their role reviewed to ensure their job description and pay band properly reflect the work they actually do. The Government has committed additional funding to support this process and any resulting pay uplifts, separate from the annual cost-of-living award.

Newly qualified nurses will also benefit from higher starting pay and a new national nursing preceptorship, meaning every graduate nurse will receive structured one-to-one support as they begin their career. Nursing leaders say this will help improve confidence, reduce burnout, and boost retention across the NHS.

Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive, Professor Nicola Ranger, said:

“Today’s announcement is significant progress on career progression for nursing staff. Too many are not being paid fairly or valued for their skills and responsibilities in caring for patients, too often starting and finishing their careers on the same low pay band.

It is the first time nursing has been prioritised in this way. We set out a strong case for supporting nursing careers and the government has responded with a series of important commitments to staff in the NHS in England. For those who get a band uplift as a result, this is real change and real money.“

UNISON Head of Health, Helga Pile, said:

“For the NHS to deliver the standards of care patients need, nursing and other healthcare roles must become more attractive options as graduate professions. Better starting pay and earnings prospects are essential. Delivering a comprehensive review of band 5 nursing roles is key to rooting out and correcting underpayments that have built up as responsibilities and expertise have increased. A national preceptorship is welcome and long overdue to ensure nurses are supported in the critical early stage of their careers.“

Luke Myer MP said:

“Nurses are the backbone of our NHS – there for patients day and night, often under immense pressure. For too long they’ve been undervalued and underpaid. This package is a meaningful step towards recognising their true worth, supporting them early in their careers, and ensuring they’re paid fairly for the work they do.“