UNISON prepares ‘ robust response ’ to government ’ s attempts to divide the health team

UNISON has reaffirmed its commitment to the One Team campaign for the health service, in the face of the government’s “divisive” actions during the NHS pay dispute, the national executive council (NEC) heard today. Health members in England are currently voting on the government’s latest pay offer. The ballot closes at 3pm on Thursday 13 April. By the time delegates meet for the national health conference next week, results will be through and next steps will be debated. In her NEC report, general secretary Christina McAnea said that, ahead of conference, the health service group executive had discussed the Westminster government’s commitment to the Royal College of Nurses to consider a separate pay spine in England ‘for nursing staff exclusively’. “That’s obviously of huge concern to us,” she said. “The committee reaffirmed our union’s One Team values and agreed that any move to break up the Agenda for Change pay system in this way would present significant risks – including around equal pay – and cause unnecessary local tensions. “The committee agreed to oversee development of a robust UNISON response, focusing on the measures actually needed to support proper pay and career progression for nursing staff, and highlighting the dangers of dismantling the harmonised pay spine.” In associated work, Ms McAnea reported that the service group’s flagship healthcare assistant re-banding programme, ‘Pay Fair for Patient Care’, is going “from st...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: Article News 2023 year of Black Workers cqc pay health pay local government pay – the National Joint Council (NJC) NEC Source Type: news