Step towards ending two-tier workforce in NHS Scotland
Porters, cleaners and other ancillary staff working for private
contractors inside the NHS are to benefit from the same pay
and conditions as their counterparts directly employed by
health boards as a result of a deal negotiated between UNISON
and the Scottish Executive.
The agreement provides for a three stage implementation process
that should deliver Agenda for Change pay and conditions (or
similar) from October 2006.
Benefits will be phased in and backdated to October 2005
where applicable. So-called 'hard' FM staff (Estates etc)
will be looked at locally.
Tom Waterson, Chair of UNISON's Health Group said: "We are
pleased that this agreement will see improvements in the pay
for thousands of catering, cleaning, porters and other staff
employed in private companies across Scotland. It improves
on a similar framework deal in England by providing earlier
implementation and a higher rate and it should also provide
better training opportunities and skills development for these
groups.
"We still have some way to go to fully eliminate the two-tier
system. Privatisation of these services is not good for integrated
healthcare and profit should not be a motive in providing
essential patient services."
Across Scotland the number of staff affected expressed as
a whole time equivalent is approximately 1700. The back pay
for a full time member of staff could be as much as £360.
The deal is in three phases:
* Phase 1 from 1 October 2005 £5.69 an hour basic pay with
an additional Scottish allowance of £0.188 giving a total
of £5.878 an hour. In addition, staff will benefit from an
additional two days holiday.
* Phase 2 from 1 April 2006 £5.878 an hour with an additional
Scottish allowance of £0.147 giving a total of £6.025 an hour.
* Phase 3 from 1 October 2006 terms and conditions no less
favourable that the Agenda for Change equivalent of £6.025
an hour.
The framework provides a minimum standard and does not supercede
arrangements already in place reached through local negotiation
and agreement.
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