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‘NHS pay rise should be enjoyed by independent sector and GP nurses too’

Nurses outside the health service but providing its services could be missing out, says NHS Confederation
GP nurse with patient

Nurses outside the health service but providing its services could be missing out, says NHS Confederation


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Nurses working in the social care, voluntary, social enterprise and independent sectors could be missing out on pay rises, the NHS Confederation said.

The organisation, speaking for a number of health unions, estimates tens of thousands of staff in GP and other independent services could be affected by what it calls a 'grossly unfair' situation.

This year's NHS pay deal in England was extended to staff working for non-statutory providers of NHS services who are employed on Agenda for Change (AfC) terms. However, the NHS Confederation, which represents providers and commissioners, says only a limited number of non-statutory providers of care currently employ their staff on AfC contracts.

Chief executive Niall Dickson has today urged ministers to re-examine the issue and ensure future pay rises are allocated and ringfenced.

'Gross unfairness'

Mr Dickson said: ‘This is grossly unfair. The pay award for those employed by NHS trusts was welcome, but it fails to recognise and reward the tens of thousands of other dedicated staff who are delivering frontline NHS care in independent, voluntary, social enterprise, and GP-run services.

‘As we try to move towards more joined-up care, we cannot have the government creating a pay system that sets up artificial barriers between services’

Niall Dickson, chief executive, NHS Confederation

‘It also does nothing for nurses and others in social care, which will exacerbate recruitment and retention issues for those vital services.'

He added that the situation had serious implications for the future of the health and care services.

‘As we try to move towards more joined-up care, we cannot have the government creating a pay system that sets up artificial barriers between services, and undermines the very policy it is trying to promote. 

Ringfenced pay

‘We are calling on ministers to look at this again as a matter of urgency. They must make sure future pay rises are allocated and ringfenced through commissioners and the NHS tariff. Only in this way will we make sure all staff providing NHS services are treated fairly.’

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'Later this year we will set out plans to reform the adult social care system to make it sustainable for the future, including how better to attract and retain staff.

'Ministers are aware of the NHS Confederation’s concerns and will be meeting with Niall Dickson soon to discuss these.'


 

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