UNISON, the largest public sector union, will consult its members working in
the National Health Service over a proposed pay deal worth 8% over the
next three years. It includes a re-opener clause that will allow the pay
increases in years two and three to be reviewed if inflation is higher than
expected.
The proposed deal gives 2.75% in the first year.
In year 2 it gives 2.54%. It also establishes for all NHS staff a new
minimum wage of £6.77 an hour in that year, that is 18% higher than the
statutory rate. Those on the lowest point will receive an increase of 5.7%.
In the third year the proposed deal gives 2.5%. It includes a flat rate
increase of £420 (worth 3.17% at the lowest point) for the bottom three
grades.
Nurses, midwives and paramedics on the main grade 5 and the bottom of grade
6 will receive extra money on top of the basic increase from the second
year, to recognise that more than a quarter have reached their pay ceiling.
UNISON Head of Health, Karen Jennings, said:
ÒThe proposed deal adheres to the pay review body recommendations and is the
highest in the public sector. It would set a new minimum wage of £6.77 an
hour from next year and gives more money to nurses, midwives and paramedics
stuck at the top of their grades.
ÒIt does offer pay stability over the next three years. We will be asking our executive
to consider recommending this deal to members as a well-balanced package in the
forthcoming consultation. And we will expect private sector contractors in the NHS
to implement the deal for their low-paid workers following agreement.Ó
There is a formal commitment to future talks on reducing the working week
and a reducing the number of pay points in grades, that will allow people to
progress their salaries more fairly.
The proposals include a new facilities agreement for local trade union
representatives to provide greater resources and time to participate in
local partnership working arrangements.
Ends