UNISON health members representing ambulance crews and nursing staff have voted to accept an NHS pay offer in England.

Almost three quarters of members (74%) voted to accept the offer, which includes a 5% pay rise this year and a one-off bonus payment, in a record turnout of over 150,000 members.

The result of a vote by Royal College of Nursing members is expected later today.

A government spokesperson said: “The decision by members of UNISON, the largest NHS union, to accept the pay offer recommended by their leadership demonstrates that it is a fair and reasonable proposal that can bring this dispute to an end. 

“Under the offer, an Agenda for Change employee at the Band 6 entry point – such as a physiotherapist, paramedic or a midwife – will receive over £5,100 across last year and this year, with over £2,000 in bonus payments arriving as a lump sum in pay cheques by summer.

“Hundreds of thousands of Agenda for Change staff continue to vote in ballots for other unions over the next two weeks and we hope this generous offer secures their support.”