Nurses will receive higher pay under the deal

Almost nine out of 10 of those who took part in the Royal College of Nursing ballot backed "Agenda for Change".

The deal aims to modernise the way over one million NHS staff, including nurses, technicians and ambulance staff, are paid.

They will receive a minimum pay increase of 10% over three years. Some will receive substantially more.

Strong support

A total of 97,884 of RCN members backed the package. The overall vote was 88% in favour and 12% against.

There was a 32% turnout, which the RCN said was one of the highest in its history.

The Yes vote followed a recommendation from the union's ruling council in January for nurses to accept the deal.

Midwives have also backed the proposed changes. According to the Royal College of Midwives, 93% of those who took part in its ballot supported the deal.

Nurses' vote YES: 97,884 (88.42%) NO: 12, 818 (11.58%) Turnout: 111, 169 (32%)

Under Agenda for Change, new pay bands will be linked to "job evaluation". They will replace a myriad of different pay structures which have been described as archaic by both unions and government.

The deal, which could cost the government over �3bn, is linked to changes in working practices which the government says will "modernise" the NHS by, for instance, keeping operating theatres open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The RCN leadership welcomed the result. Beverly Malone, its general secretary, said: "RCN members have given council a resounding affirmation of its leadership on Agenda for Change.

"RCN council, activists and staff have worked very hard to deliver an informed choice to members and they have responded with a very clear message in favour of the proposals."

Jill Jarvis, chairwoman of the RCN council, added: "We acknowledge the strength of feeling from the members and are very pleased with support that Agenda for change has received."

The government welcomed the RCN vote. The result will be a welcome boost after last year's decision by senior hospital doctors to reject their pay offer and continuing wrangling over a new deal for GPs.

'Investment and reform'

Health Minister John Hutton said: "It is a positive vote for reform by NHS nurses to accompany the positive commitment of resources to the NHS by the government.

"As we have always said: investment and reform in the health service go hand-in-hand.

"In exchange for a new fairer pay system and better career opportunities, nurses have voted for reformed working practices and new responsibilities designed to improve the quality of care patients receive.

"We are determined to ensure the commitment of NHS staff to NHS patients is reflected in the fairer system of NHS pay which Agenda for Change brings."

The Liberal Democrats warned that more is needed to ensure nurses stay in the NHS.

Their health spokesman Dr Evan Harris said: "This 'yes' vote will see ministers breathing sighs of relief. But the main battle will be getting nurses to vote with their feet in terms of staying in the NHS, or returning to it. All the signs are that this has not been achieved."

All of the unions representing NHS workers will have to consult its members over the deal.

Subject to the consultation, the system will be introduced in 12 sites across England early next year.