NHS workers will continue to take strike action as a “far from fair and appropriate” 5 per cent pay rise came into effect today.

More than one million health workers in England began to receive the increased salaries and one-off payments under the new pay deal — which has not been approved by union members in Unite and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).

Following widespread strike action, eligible staff on the Agenda for Change contract, which includes nurses, paramedics, 999 call handlers, midwives, security guards and cleaners, will receive a 5 per cent pay rise, backdated to April.

And as part of the deal, some will also receive a one-off payment for last year and a so-called NHS backlog bonus for this year, the latter worth between £1,250 and £1,600.

Members from Unison, GMB, the Royal College of Midwives and other unions voted to accept the offer last month.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said: “We’re giving nurses, paramedics, physiotherapists and other eligible staff a fair pay rise, which will see for example, band six staff getting an extra £5,000 over two years.

“We hugely value the work of NHS staff and the vital role they’re playing to cut waiting lists, which is one of the government’s five priorities, and recognises the work they put in day in and day out.”

But RCN executive director for pay Colin Poolman said: “Our members have spoken loud and clear — their pay is far from fair and appropriate.

“It in no way matches the value or importance of nursing staff who have experienced a real-terms pay cut for the last decade.”

“Nursing staff are fighting for their patients, and the very future of our NHS — not just for their pay.”

Unite national lead officer Onay Kasab agreed, saying that the government “has nothing to crow about.”

He said: “The pay deal is yet another real-terms pay cut for over a million dedicated and skilled NHS staff.

“The deal does nothing to address the ongoing recruitment and retention crisis which is undermining the NHS and resulting in highly talented staff leaving in droves.

“It is for these reasons that Unite and other NHS unions rejected the deal and why we are escalating industrial action to ensure that the government returns to the negotiating table and makes an offer that meets the needs of NHS staff.”

RCN members are voting on whether to take further strike action, with the ballot due to close on June 23.

Unite members from across the Guy’s and St Thomas’ workforce, including nurses and other front-line workers, began a 24-hour strike on today as they continue to oppose the deal.

The action will be followed by a strike by Unite members employed at the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, including paramedics and call handlers, on Friday for up to seven hours from 2pm.

And junior doctors in England will walk out from 7am on June 14.