[holding answer 26 November 2007]: The Government have now submitted their evidence to the NHS Pay Review Body for the pay uplift from April 2008. This review body covers all Agenda for Change staff including midwives. It is for the review body to now consider all the issues including evidence from the unions before making their recommendations. It is not appropriate to speculate at this time what they may recommend.
Our recommendations (2 per cent. rise in headline pay for staff) are in line with the Government’s public sector pay policy to ensure economic stability. We are seeking a fair award reflecting the balance between the right level of pay and the need to be vigilant against the threats of inflation.