Nurses and other health service staff in Northern Ireland are preparing to ballot for industrial action over a delayed pay award, Health Minister Robbie Butler acknowledged.

The Department of Health said Butler understands the frustration felt by staff who have waited too long for clarity on this year’s pay increase.

Butler said the 2026/27 pay award should be implemented and pay parity with NHS England restored as soon as possible. He warned that every day of delay increases the risk of industrial action during the winter period, with real consequences for patients, waiting lists and service delivery.

The Minister said he will continue to do everything in his power to deliver the pay award for health and social care staff.

Butler also said he remains fully committed to introducing the Real Living Wage across health and social care. Work on structural pay reform under Agenda for Change is continuing with colleagues in England and Wales, alongside efforts to resolve this year’s award.