New analysis shows average house prices in the UK rose six times faster than NHS nurses’ pay in the last decade, which the Royal College of Nursing says adds further weight to the argument for a fair pay rise for nurses.

London Economics, who carried out the research, found that while the cost of the average UK home has risen by 55 per cent in the last decade – up from £165,600 in 2011 to £256,400 today – the pay of an experienced nurse in England has only risen by nine per cent.

The Royal College of Nursing is demanding a fully funded 12.5 per cent pay increase for all nursing staff covered by Agenda for Change terms, as part of a one-year deal that applies equally to all bands. The college believes that this is needed to recognise the complexity of nursing roles, help fill thousands of nursing vacancies, and enable staff to pay for the increasing costs of living.  

Graham Revie, chair of the RCN Trade Union Committee, said: “The government needs to tip the scales in nursing’s favour to stop this injustice. The proposed one per cent pay rise won’t come close to remedying the suppression of nursing salaries over the past 10 years. It is officially a pay cut now that inflation has risen above one per cent as expected. When they make the announcement this summer, ministers must pay nursing what it’s worth – the public is expecting nothing less.”