- Conference
- 2008 Health Care Service Group Conference
- Date
- 13 December 2007
- Decision
- Carried
Conference notes the reference to the reduction of medical secretarial posts and the creation of lower paid, lower skilled audio – typist roles in typing pools in Composite E carried at the 2007 Health Conference. Sadly this is a trend which is continuing within the NHS in England.
Conference believes that this is a cynical way of NHS Trusts cutting the costs of admin and clerical jobs following these roles being evaluated at a fair level following the job evaluation process by reverting to “cheaper” roles. In addition to reducing the staffing costs to the organisation, this makes career progression more difficult as there are fewer opportunities to move to.
One of the principles of the Knowledge and Skills Framework is to “invest in the development of all members of staff”. Changing work roles in such a way as above is clearly contrary to KSF.
Conference also recognises the evidence that UNISON submitted to the NHS Pay Review Body 2008/9 which reported that there was a considerable deterioration of workplace morale since 2006. This is due to many factors but repetitive work and feeling de-valued contributes greatly.
Whilst this affects more staff groups than just medical secretaries, the effects are potentially more keenly felt within this staff group due to lack of learning and development and no recognised career pathway for many.
Conference calls on the Health Service Group Executive to challenge service “reforms” which de-skill staff roles and to incorporate this issue into ongoing work on KSF to ensure that there are opportunities for admin and clerical staff in non-specialist areas to receive the intended benefit of KSF.