NURSES’ leaders have condemned delays in making a one-off payment to healthcare workers in non-NHS organisations after the government finally released funding for it.

Under the government’s Agenda for Change for the National Health Service, healthcare staff employed by organisations such as charities, social enterprises and local authorities are entitled to a one-off payment of £1,655, which is part of the NHS wage settlement.

NHS employees received the payment four months ago, but it has taken the Department of Health and Social Care until now to release the money for workers in non-NHS organisations.