The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has been advocating for fairer pay for Bands 2 and 3 Maternity Support Workers in Wales. Vicky Richards, the RCM’s National Officer for Wales, explains what’s changing – and what you need to do if it affects you. 

If you’re a maternity support worker (MSW) in Wales, you might have already heard the buzz – job descriptions have had a big refresh, and for many of you, that could means changes to banding, pay and recognition payments. 

This isn’t just a small tweak. It’s a proper rethink of what’s fair, what’s consistent, and how we make sure the work you do every day is reflected in your job title and your pay packet. 

So why is this happening? Over the years, healthcare support workers (HCSWs) – including MSWs – roles have grown and evolved. Many Band 2 staff have ended up taking on extra clinical duties – the kind that were meant for Band 3 – but without the matching pay. 

Back in August 2021, new national job profiles were agreed for HCSWs. Band 2 roles included personal care, and Band 3s additionally included clinical care duties. 

 But not everyone’s job descriptions were updated straightaway, which meant some HCSWs were doing Band 3 work while still on Band 2 pay. This new framework will fix that. 

From 1 January 2026, all ‘in scope’ HCSWs will be assessed to make sure their band matches their duties. Any HCSW who is doing Band 3 work on Band 2 pay could be re-banded and get back pay (from January 2025). They may also get a recognition payment for the work they have already been doing before re-banding. The recognition payment depends on how long the person has been in their role, and can range from up to £949 (if doing Band 3 duties for less than a year) to £5,000 (if over five years in the role). 

It won’t be a short process, but it’s hoped all assessments, re-bandings and payments will be completed by July 2026. 

If you don’t agree with your re-banding assessment, you can appeal – and the RCM will be here to support you if you need us. You can also stay at Band 2 if you prefer – which will be reflected with a new job description – and you’ll still get your recognition payment if you’ve been doing Band 3 duties. 

This whole process is about fairness, consistency and recognition. It’s about making sure that if you’re doing more, you’re getting recognised for it – both in your job title and your bank account. 

For thousands of MSWs across Wales, this could mean a higher band, more pay, and a well-deserved acknowledgment of your skills. 

Keep an eye out on your local branch Facebook pages for an invite to join a virtual Q&A drop-in session throughout the end of August and September, where you will be able to ask questions and receive further information.