Our reshaped pay and grading structure
If you are in current Grades 1 to 5, the reshaped structure will be implemented on 31 October 2025 with an effective date of 1 October 2025, subject to collective agreement being reached.
We have been in extended discussions with our 3 recognised trade unions about the proposed structure, with the aim of reaching a collective agreement.
The recognised trade unions are:
- GMB
- UNISON
- Unite the Union
We understand change can raise questions or concerns, but we want to reassure you that this change is a positive one.
We want to help you understand how you will move to the reshaped structure, and how you will benefit when it is in place.
For more information:
Download 'Your Guide to Pay and Grading' for more information
Watch our short video introducing our reshaped pay and grading structure
Grades
When the new structure is implemented, if you are in Grades 1 to 5, you will move to your equivalent grade on the reshaped structure.
Our current National Joint Council (NJC) structure has 7 grades – Grades 1 to 7.
Our reshaped NJC structure has 4 grades – Grades A to D.
You will move to the reshaped structure as follows:
|
Current grade |
Equivalent grade in the reshaped structure |
|---|---|
|
1 |
A |
|
2 |
|
| 3 |
B |
|
4 |
C |
|
5 |
D |
Grades 1 and 2
To keep up with the Real Living Wage, Grades 1 and 2 will merge to become Grade A.
Grades 6 and 7
For now, Grades 6* and 7 will stay on the current NJC structure while we consult on our proposal to move colleagues in these grades to a revised Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) structure.
Pay scales
As with the current NJC structure, each step on the pay scale is identified by a spinal column point (SCP).
However, on the reshaped structure there are fewer SCPs allowing faster movement with a higher annual salary increase until you reach the top of your grade. This will take no more than 5 years.
This table shows the reshaped pay scale for Grades A to D (with SCPs). Salaries shown are as of April 2025:
|
Reshaped pay scale |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grade |
Starting point (SCP) |
Annual increment 1 (SCP) |
Annual increment 2 (SCP) |
Annual increment 3 (SCP) |
Annual increment 4 (SCP) |
Annual increment 5 (SCP) |
|
A |
3 |
5 |
7 |
9 |
11 |
|
|
£24,796 |
£25,583 |
£26,403 |
£27,254 |
£28,142 |
|
|
|
B |
12 |
14 |
16 |
18 |
20 |
23 |
|
£28,598 |
£29,540 |
£30,518 |
£31,537 |
£32,597 |
£34,434 |
|
|
C |
24 |
25 |
27 |
29 |
31 |
33 |
|
£35,412 |
£36,363 |
£38,220 |
£39,862 |
£41,771 |
£44,075 |
|
|
D |
34 |
36 |
38 |
40 |
42 |
|
|
£45,091 |
£47,181 |
£49,282 |
£51,356 |
£53,460 |
|
|
There is now a crossover with Grade D (SCP 42) and Grade 6. When the reshaped NJC structure is implemented anyone currently in Grade 6 on SCP 41 or 42 will move to SCP 43 and receive the associated salary increase at that time.
Page last updated: 30 September 2025
