The government and the Royal College of Nursing have agreed a package to boost graduate nurse's pay and job progression.

The package has been agreed following engagement with all nursing unions including UNISON, Unite and GMB, and a dedicated period of intensive engagement with RCN.

The agreed measures aim to transform nursing profession and make sure that nurses get the pay and support they deserve.

These measures also include prioritising increasing graduate pay; reviewing the roles and pay bands of every band 5 nurse; and establishing a single national nursing preceptorship to create a national framework to support newly qualified nurses.

Health and social care secretary, Wes Streeting, said: "Nurses have been arguing that they deserve more recognition - and rightly so. They are essential for leading and delivering our 10 Year Health Plan, yet many nurses are not being fairly compensated for the work they do.

"That’s why this government is working constructively with the Royal College of Nursing to deliver a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work for nurses. I want to thank Nicola Ranger and her team for their constructive approach to talks - it’s clear that working together is in everyone’s interests, especially patients.

"I hope nurses feel heartened that this is a significant leap forward for their profession - and a sign of just how much the NHS and this government values them. Nurses were there for me when I had cancer - I want to be there for them."