MORE than 6,000 NHS workers in Wales are to receive a wage rise and thousands of pounds in back pay after a landmark deal was reached today.

Unison, RCN and Unite secured an agreement with the Welsh government, recognising that workers employed on the lowest band had been consistently carrying out clinical roles beyond their job descriptions.

Staff affected by the deal include healthcare support workers, and some roles under midwifery and nursing profiles.

According to NHS guidance, healthcare support workers paid on band two should only be providing personal care such as bathing and feeding patients.

However, unions argue they have routinely undertaken clinical tasks such as monitoring blood, performing electrocardiogram tests and removal of cannulas.

Evie Fox-Byrne, a healthcare support worker at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “Our work is vital in supporting patients and helping them recover. Health boards shouldn’t be taking advantage of staff to save a few quid.

“Healthcare assistants have gone above and beyond for many years, so receiving this recognition brings much-needed relief and support to everyone involved.

“This will make such a difference to me and my family, especially my little daughter. I’m over the moon.”

Unison actively encouraged workers to collectively submit formal grievances to their health boards, while healthcare support workers in Swansea Bay added to the pressure by voting for strike action in a dispute led by the union, securing their own pay victory.

Unison Cymru head of health Tanya Bull said: “Thousands of low-paid healthcare support workers will savour this moment.

“They’ve taken on their health boards and won. This is a triumph for people power.”

RCN Wales Board chair Jackie Davies said: “We welcome this agreement and are pleased that our members who fought tirelessly for fair pay are finally recognised.

“It’s about respecting the vital roles health care support workers play and the skills that keep patients safe and cared for.”

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Jeremy Miles said: “This national approach demonstrates our shared commitment to supporting the NHS workforce and ensuring staff are properly and fairly rewarded for the work they do.

“This will help ensure job roles align with the appropriate pay bands, supporting fair working conditions for all NHS Wales staff.”