A concerted UNISON campaign has forced NHS Direct to reverse its plans to downband 700 nurses and health advisors.
The union’s campaign resulted in detailed negotiations at ACAS and a comprehensive agreement. It is also believed that up to nine NHS Direct call centres earmarked for closure could be kept open – saving hundreds of jobs.
London regional officer Michael Walker said: “This is a victory for common sense and a vindication of the leadership of UNISON reps at NHS Direct.”
NHS Direct had earlier planned to close 24 of its 30 call centres, and to reduce its wage bill by changing staff bandings – moving band 6 nurses to band 5, and band 3 call handlers to band 2.
But the employer has since written to staff, informing them that everyone would retain their original banding “by right”, so that NHS Direct could hold onto “the skills and expertise of our most experienced frontline health advisors and nurses”.
As well as pressure from the union, the employer succumbed to the problems affecting the non-emergency 111 service, which is for patients who need medical help but are not emergencies. NHS Direct is currently handling only 30% of the calls it should be taking in line with its contract.
UNISON’s nursing convenor at NHS Direct, Sandra Maxwell, commented: “This is a vital move in ensuring the retention and morale of key nursing and health advisers at NHS Direct – staff who have distinguished themselves through their commitment to the service during the transfer to NHS 111.”