The BDA and 13 other health unions are asking Health Secretary Yvette Cooper to conclude government talks about fixing deep-seated problems with the NHS pay structure. Collectively, they represent more than 1.2 million health workers.

This comes after progress has stalled following the departure of her predecessors Wes Streeting and James Murray in quick succession.

In April 2026, ministers imposed a 3.3% pay increase for staff on the Agenda for Change (AfC) salary scale, in line with a pay review body recommendation. This came with a promise to tackle problems with the increasingly outdated wage structure and backdate any improvements in pay to April.

Sonila Ellahi, Director of Trade Union and Employee Relations says:

“Health workers including our dietetic workforce have kept services running through some of the most challenging years in the NHS’s history, yet many feel they are being left behind.

“The government committed not only to a pay award but to meaningful reform of a pay structure that is no longer fit for purpose. Talks must resume immediately and be bought to a conclusion without further delay.”