The Royal College of Nursing said its members backed the deal, which was recommended by the union's leadership, by 92%.

General secretary Dr Peter Carter described the deal as fair, balanced and the best in the public sector.

"We worked hard to negotiate this deal for our members and it's clear from their response they want us to accept it.

"We have secured a commitment to reopen pay talks should inflation continue to rise or if there are significant changes to the labour market - a clause which is very important to our members.

"We have secured a pivotal role for the independent pay review body to monitor the economic situation and we will hold the Government to their commitment.

"This deal remains the best deal in the public sector and members taking part in our consultation agreed with us. We can now move forward to get this year's pay award into members' pockets as soon as possible," he said.

The RCN said the deal was worth up to 16% for some of its lowest paid members, including healthcare assistants and newly qualified nurses.

Other health workers, including midwives, ambulance staff and physiotherapists have rejected the deal.

Unison, which represents almost 500,000 health workers, is expected to announce the result of its ballot on the pay offer later.