UNION'S WARNING ON NHS SHAKE-UP Feb 26 2004




UNION leaders yesterday warned that staff could reject proposals to change NHS pay and conditions.

Nearly 120,000 nurses, ancillary and administrative staff would be affected by the deal, known as Agenda For Change.

It has been described as the most radical change in pay and conditions since the creation of the health service in 1948.

But Unison claim that nearly a third of staff in Scotland would lose money under the system.

They say a payroll manager presently earning around £40,000 a year would be on a maximum of £22,700 under the new deal.

Unison members will be balloted on the Government proposals in the autumn.

Unison health spokesman Jim Devine said: 'Unfortunately, as it is presently packaged, Unison members could reject these proposals because they do not meet the aspirations of our members, especially at a time when NHS consultants are receiving increases of between 25 to 30 per cent.

'Although there are many positive aspects of Agenda For Change, the Scottish health committee of Unison cannot support a scheme that sees even one NHS worker lose financially.'

But the Royal College of Nursing in Scotland remained 'fully committed' to the deal.

Director James Kennedy said: 'It is inevitable some potential problems will be identified in advance of its implementation ... such as protection for current pay and conditions.