Why are pay and conditions different for non-NHS nurses?

Pay varies widely across other settings, but calls for standardisation may not be welcomed by all

Nearly one in four nurses is employed outside the NHS, where pay, terms and conditions vary widely and are difficult to pin down.

There have been calls for greater standardisation from some nurses and nursing unions. However, the sheer variety of sub-sectors and employers makes this a complex challenge.

One-fifth of UK nurses and midwives work outside the NHS

About 22% of nurses and midwives work for private companies, charities, local government or other public sector employers, according to the RCN’s 2020 UK labour market survey , which uses data from government, public and independent sector employers, and