Should the government provide separate funding for Agenda for Change structural reforms?

On 12 February 2026 the government announced it would implement the NHS Pay Review Body recommendation of a 3.3% pay uplift for 2026/27, effective from April. It also committed to working with unions and employers on Agenda for Change structural reforms, with additional funding promised but not yet allocated. Unions argue that without dedicated reform funding, workforce morale and the NHS recovery plan will suffer.