The RCPod reaffirms its support for an above inflation NHS pay rise in evidence submitted to the Pay Review Body

The Royal College of Podiatry (RCPod) has published the evidence it submitted to the NHS Pay Review Body (PRB), encouraging an above inflation pay rise for NHS podiatrists to address a workforce crisis, improve recruitment and retention, and tackle burnout.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health and Social Care has recommended a 2.8% pay rise for 2025 in its evidence to the PRB. The College now awaits the recommendation from the PRB, following which, the RCPod’s members who work in the NHS in England will vote on the final position.

The College surveyed its NHS members to inform its submission, with 95% reporting concerns about recruitment and retention and over 80% saying they had experienced burnout in the past year. It also noted that pay and conditions in the private sector far outstrip those in the NHS, driving graduates out of public service.

Key findings from the RCPod’s submission:

• Workforce crisis: The number of podiatrists in the NHS has dropped from 12,911 to 11,868 over the past decade, while demand for podiatric services has risen
• Pay and conditions: Many podiatrists leave the NHS for better pay and conditions in the private sector, exacerbating the workforce crisis
• Recruitment and retention: 95% of respondents reported serious concerns about recruitment and retention, with 82% saying vacancies were harder to fill than in previous years
• Burnout and wellbeing: Over 80% of members reported burnout in the last 12 months, and only 39% felt staffing levels were safe. Improved pay is seen as critical to alleviating these pressures.

Martin Furlong, the RCPod’s Deputy General Secretary, said:

"The evidence we’ve submitted makes it clear that podiatry in the NHS is in crisis. Our members are telling us they feel underpaid, overworked, and undervalued – that has to change. While we support Agenda for Change, it’s clear that parts of the system need a review, particularly how roles are linked to pay bands. Many of our members are working at far higher levels of risk and scope of practice than AFC was ever designed to reflect.

“Pay is also a critical issue. It’s not just about restoring what’s been lost through austerity and the cost-of-living crisis – it’s about ensuring NHS roles are competitive with the private sector, which is becoming an increasingly attractive option for podiatrists.”

You can read the College’s full evidence submission to the PRB here.