The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has agreed the proposed package with NHS Employers, the Scottish Government, the Welsh Executive, UNISON and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) for staff, including nurses, midwives and Allied Health Professionals.
It will now be subject to consultation by members of all the trade unions covered by AfC.
The proposed package incorporates the NHS Pay Review Body Recommendation for 2008/09, and includes:
- acceptance in full of the 2008/09 NHS Pay Review Body’s recommendations for a 2.75% pay rise for nurses and other healthcare professionals from 1 April 2008;
- 2.4% headline award in 2009/10;
- 2.25% headline award in 2010/11;
·additional changes to the pay structure in Years 2 and 3 that would give extra financial support for the lowest paid workers, allow quicker progression up the pay ladder and increase the earning potential for hundreds of thousands of staff.
The Minister said: “This multi-year deal for local Health and Social Care Services recognises the dedication and professionalism of our workforce.
“The reforms in the way we deliver health and social care has meant that services have undergone enormous change over the last year. Nonetheless, there is more work to be done to deliver improvements and our workforce is our most important resource.
“This three-year pay deal represents a considerable investment and provides much needed certainty for staff and their families.”
The Minister also accepted the pay recommendations of the Doctors and Dentists Pay Review body for 2008/09. This provides for a 2.2% increase in pay this year for most doctors and dentists.
Mr McGimpsey said: “There has been significant investment in our medical workforce in recent years, which has improved recruitment and retention, and has had a direct impact on the front-line services provided.
“I want to continue to improve services for our patients and clients, and my Department will continue to work with the BMA to focus resources on local priorities.”
Notes to Editors:
- The proposed headline increases for Agenda for Change Staff over the three years (2.75% in year 1, 2.4% in year 2 and 2.25% in year 3) represents a 7.58% cumulative increase for the three years. This together with the cost of restructuring gives a total cumulative cost of 7.99%
- DDRB recommendations see a 2.2% increase for hospital doctors and hospital doctors and dentists in training;
- Media inquires should be directed to the DHSS press office on 02890 520636, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
