Important: Band 1 Status
NHS Pay Band 1 is closed to new entrants. Only existing staff members who were already on this band continue to receive this rate. If you're looking to start a career in the NHS, you would typically begin at Band 2 or higher depending on your role and qualifications.
NHS Band 1 Pay Scale 2025/26
Annual and hourly rates across all UK regions
| Region | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | Monthly (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | £24,465 | £12.55 | £2,039 |
| Wales | £24,833 | £12.73 | £2,069 |
| Scotland | £25,560 | £13.25 | £2,130 |
| Northern Ireland | £23,615 | £12.11 | £1,968 |
* These rates are effective from April 2025 and are based on a standard 37.5 hour working week.
Typical Roles in NHS Band 1
Band 1 roles were entry-level positions requiring no formal qualifications. These positions are now closed to new entrants, but historical roles included:
Career Progression from Band 1
If you're currently on Band 1 or looking to start an NHS career, here's your progression pathway:
Move to Band 2
Apply for Band 2 positions such as Healthcare Support Worker (HCA), Clinical Support Worker, or Porter.
Gain Experience & Training
Build skills through on-the-job training, care certificate completion, and NHS training programs.
Progress to Band 3 and Beyond
Apply for Band 3 roles (Senior HCA, Therapy Assistant) earning £24,937-£26,598 or higher bands with additional training.
NHS Band 1 Benefits & Perks
NHS Pension Scheme
Generous employer contributions to your retirement
Annual Leave
Minimum 27 days plus 8 bank holidays
Sick Pay
Occupational sick pay scheme
Training & Development
Access to NHS learning and development programs
Maternity/Paternity Pay
Enhanced maternity and paternity benefits
NHS Discounts
Access to exclusive NHS staff discounts
Compare with Other NHS Pay Bands
What is Agenda for Change?
Agenda for Change (AfC) is the National Health Service's comprehensive pay and grading system, implemented in December 2004 to standardize pay scales and ensure fair, consistent compensation across the NHS. This landmark framework covers over one million NHS staff members, providing a clear structure for career progression and development.
The Agenda for Change system applies to most NHS employees including nurses, midwives, paramedics, healthcare assistants, therapists, and administrative staff. However, it excludes doctors, dentists, and some very senior managers who have separate pay arrangements. The framework encompasses nine pay bands (Band 1 through Band 9), with each band containing multiple pay points that reflect increasing experience and responsibility.
A key component of Agenda for Change is the Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF), which supports personal development and career advancement. The KSF ensures staff members are equipped with the necessary competencies for their roles and provides a structured pathway for progression. Pay progression within each band typically occurs annually based on satisfactory performance and the achievement of relevant KSF competencies.
The system was designed to eliminate outdated pay practices and create equity across different NHS roles and regions. By establishing transparent pay bands linked to job evaluation, Agenda for Change ensures that staff performing similar roles with comparable responsibilities receive consistent pay, regardless of their specific job title or location within the NHS.
NHS Pay Rise 2025/26
3.6% Pay Increase for 2025/26 | Backdated to April 1, 2025
In May 2025, the UK government announced a 3.6% pay increase for all Agenda for Change staff for the 2025/26 financial year, backdated to April 1, 2025. This marks the second consecutive year of above-inflation pay rises for NHS workers, following a 5.5% increase in 2024/25. These pay awards demonstrate the government's commitment to recognizing the invaluable contributions of NHS staff and addressing the challenges posed by inflation and rising cost-of-living expenses.
The cumulative impact of recent pay awards has been significant. For example, the starting salary for Band 2 positions has risen to £24,465 in 2025/26, representing an increase of over £4,000 since the 2022/23 period. Similarly, Band 1 rates (for existing staff) have increased to £24,465 in England, ensuring that long-serving NHS workers benefit from the same pay improvements.
Recent NHS Pay Awards Timeline:
These pay increases apply uniformly across all Agenda for Change bands, ensuring that all NHS staff—from healthcare support workers to senior nurses and allied health professionals—receive fair recognition for their dedication and service. The government has worked closely with NHS Employers and trade unions to negotiate these settlements, balancing the need to reward staff appropriately while maintaining fiscal responsibility.