Staff side unions submitted their joint evidence to the NHS Pay Review Body on 27 October 2008.The evidence set out the case for re-opening the 2009/10 pay rates established by the multi-year pay agreement. The full staff side evidence is available below, along with additional material submitted covering the UNISON 2008 pay survey and a report commissioned by staff side on public sector pay policy.
Staff Side Evidence Evidence to NHS Pay Review Body http://www.unison.org.uk/file/Staff_side_evidence_to_PRB.pdf
UNISON Pay Survey http://www.unison.org.uk/file/UNISON%20material%20for%20Part%203v0.pdf
Monday 3 November 2008
RE_OPEN NOW PAY CAMPAIGN
UNISON has launched its "Re-Open Now" campaign to build support among NHS staff for re-opening the 2009/10 pay rates.The campaign recognises that months of soaring prices in the shops and at the pumps since the multi-year pay agreement was established in April this year have left more and more NHS workers struggling to make ends meet.That’s why UNISON has launched the "Re-Open Now" campaign to run alongside the submission of evidence to the NHS Pay Review Body, for which all the staff side unions have joined together to seek a review of the pay rates.Copies of the campaign poster and leaflet are shown in the attached files. If you would like colour copies of the poster and leaflet to distribute in your workplace, please contact your regional office or send an e-mail setting out your requirements to health@unison.co.uk
Poster http://www.unison.org.uk/file/17741_Re-open_recrut_poster_A4.pdf
Leaflet http://www.unison.org.uk/file/17740_Re-open_recrut_leaf_A5b.pdf
Poster http://www.unison.org.uk/file/17741_Re-open_recrut_poster_A4.pdf
Leaflet http://www.unison.org.uk/file/17740_Re-open_recrut_leaf_A5b.pdf
Thursday 4 September 2008
PAY SURVEY
Pay survey to support review of 2009/2010 pay settlement
In preparation for submitting evidence to the NHS Pay Review Body for a review of the 2009/10 pay rates agreed last year as part of the three-year pay settlement, UNISON is seeking the views of members through the attached survey.Therefore, we would be extremely grateful if you can spare the time to print off and complete the attached survey. Working jointly with staff side, UNISON will be making the strongest possible case that the review body should recognise the significant changes in recruitment and retention and wider economic and labour market conditions to trigger a recommendation to the Government for re-opening the multi-year pay agreement. The survey should be returned to the FREEPOST address shown on the front of the questionnaire by Wednesday 24 September 2008.
http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/A7528.pdf
In preparation for submitting evidence to the NHS Pay Review Body for a review of the 2009/10 pay rates agreed last year as part of the three-year pay settlement, UNISON is seeking the views of members through the attached survey.Therefore, we would be extremely grateful if you can spare the time to print off and complete the attached survey. Working jointly with staff side, UNISON will be making the strongest possible case that the review body should recognise the significant changes in recruitment and retention and wider economic and labour market conditions to trigger a recommendation to the Government for re-opening the multi-year pay agreement. The survey should be returned to the FREEPOST address shown on the front of the questionnaire by Wednesday 24 September 2008.
http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/A7528.pdf
Health Care Assistants Conference
A report and papers from this years Health Care Assistants conference are available below
http://www.unison.org.uk/healthcare/nursing/pages_view.asp?did=7480
http://www.unison.org.uk/healthcare/nursing/pages_view.asp?did=7480
Thursday 14 August 2008
Dental Nurses and Technicians – Registration Deadline 31/7/08
From 31 July 2008 Dental Nurses and Technicians have to be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC).
Failure to be on the professional register will result in ineligibility to work in related jobs whether or not you were in the job before the requirement to register became compulsory.
Dental nurses and dental technicians who do not have the required professional qualifications may be eligible to join the register if they have enough experience. However this option will end on 30 July 2008.
Nurses and Technicians who don’t fully meet the experience criteria can register with a combination of less experience and some qualifications. However from 31 July 2008 new registrants will only be admitted on a strict qualification basis.
DON’T DELAY – REGISTER TODAY
For further information and application forms see the GDC website at http://www.gdc-uk.org/ or telephone 0845 222 4141.
Failure to be on the professional register will result in ineligibility to work in related jobs whether or not you were in the job before the requirement to register became compulsory.
Dental nurses and dental technicians who do not have the required professional qualifications may be eligible to join the register if they have enough experience. However this option will end on 30 July 2008.
Nurses and Technicians who don’t fully meet the experience criteria can register with a combination of less experience and some qualifications. However from 31 July 2008 new registrants will only be admitted on a strict qualification basis.
DON’T DELAY – REGISTER TODAY
For further information and application forms see the GDC website at http://www.gdc-uk.org/ or telephone 0845 222 4141.
Union Response to HPC Consultation
UNISON has responded to the Health Professions Council (HPC) Consultation on Annual Registration and Scrutiny Fees in July 2008
http://www.unison.org.uk/file/A-HPC%20consult%20140708.pdf
http://www.unison.org.uk/file/A-HPC%20consult%20140708.pdf
Thursday 7 August 2008
NHS@60
As the NHS celebrates its 60th anniversary year, UNISON is leading the call for continued investment and support to sustain our NHS and its staff for the next 60 years and beyond.
UNISON NHS@60 Web Page http://www.unison.org.uk/healthcare/nhs60/index.asp
UNISON NHS@60 Posters http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B3967a.pdf
http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B3967b.pdf
UNISON NHS@60 Fact Sheet http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B3993.pdf
UNISON NHS@60 Web Page http://www.unison.org.uk/healthcare/nhs60/index.asp
UNISON NHS@60 Posters http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B3967a.pdf
http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B3967b.pdf
UNISON NHS@60 Fact Sheet http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B3993.pdf
Wednesday 6 August 2008
UNISON HEALTH EXECUTIVE CALLS FOR PAY REVIEW
UNISON’s senior health activists have voted to trigger the reopener clause on the three-year pay deal for NHS workers.The call for a better pay deal comes in the wake of increases in the costs of fuel, energy and food which are driving inflation beyond the 2% increase predicted when the deal was negotiated in spring.UNISON head of health Karen Jennings said: "Nurses and other health workers are already struggling to cope with almost daily increases in the cost of basic necessities such a food and energy."The reopener clause was central to this year's multi-year pay talks because it provided a much-needed safety net against just this situation."Ms Jennings continued: "Our members reluctantly accepted 2.75% this year but the 2.54% and 2.5% increases negotiated for the next two years now fall well short of all expected inflation figures."UNISON will work with the other health unions to submit new evidence to the NHS pay review body making the case for reviewing the 2009/2010 pay rates.
Press Release http://www.unison.org.uk/asppresspack/pressrelease_view.asp?id=1233
Press Release http://www.unison.org.uk/asppresspack/pressrelease_view.asp?id=1233
Tuesday 24 June 2008
UPDATE ON PAY DEAL
A statement from the NHS unions on the new pay deal http://www.unison.org.uk/paymatters/pages_view.asp?did=7193
Copy of Pay Circular issued to all employers
http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B4077.pdf
Copy of Pay Circular issued to all employers
http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B4077.pdf
Friday 6 June 2008
UNISON MEMBERS VOTE TO ACCEPT PAY OFFER
(06/06/08) UNISON members working in the NHS have voted to accept a multi-year pay offer worth more than 8%
An individual postal ballot of 452,000 members working in the NHS saw 64.91% of those taking part vote to accept the three-year offer worth 8.1% – and more to some members.A full range of health workers, including nurses, paramedics, occupational therapists, porters, midwives, health care assistants, technical, admin, cleaning, security and catering staff backed the deal, which will establish a new NHS minimum wage of £6.77 in the second year.
This result means that UNISON and the RCN, the two largest NHS unions, representing the overwhelming majority of NHS staff, have now endorsed the multi-year agreement.
"UNISON gave all our health members the opportunity to make their vote count and the ballot result shows what a tough decision it has been," commented UNISON head of health Karen Jennings.
"The 2.75% on offer this year is the best in the public sector and the three-year deal offers stability. However, the rising costs of everyday items such as food, fuel and energy obviously make members wary about being locked into a three-year deal. "That is why we negotiated a reopener clause that we will not hesitate to trigger if inflation continues to rise."We know that a number of small health unions have voted against accepting the offer and we will be making it a priority to meet with them and discuss a way forward."
The offer gives:
2.75% in the first year;
a headline increase of 2.54% in the second year, while also introducing a new minimum wage of £6.77 an hour for all NHS staff, 18% higher than the statutory minimum wage and meaning that those on the lowest pay 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.
The two-thirds Yes vote in the ballot represents a solid vote for acceptance in the most representative test of opinion across the NHS workforce, as a result of a full postal ballot of the union with the largest membership across all grades and professions.
UNISON negotiators also point out that the package represents the best deal in the public sector, 8.1% over the years and up to 10.5% for entry-grade professionals with a new minimum hourly wage of £6.77.
But the union also recognises that a third of members in the ballot voting against the package reflects the anxiety felt about increasing food and fuel prices.The union warned the government that UNISON members will not tolerate a below-inflation increase next year, and if inflation continues to go up rather than down, UNISON will trigger the reopener clause for year two.
Members can expect to see the money from this pay rise in their pay packets in July.
An individual postal ballot of 452,000 members working in the NHS saw 64.91% of those taking part vote to accept the three-year offer worth 8.1% – and more to some members.A full range of health workers, including nurses, paramedics, occupational therapists, porters, midwives, health care assistants, technical, admin, cleaning, security and catering staff backed the deal, which will establish a new NHS minimum wage of £6.77 in the second year.
This result means that UNISON and the RCN, the two largest NHS unions, representing the overwhelming majority of NHS staff, have now endorsed the multi-year agreement.
"UNISON gave all our health members the opportunity to make their vote count and the ballot result shows what a tough decision it has been," commented UNISON head of health Karen Jennings.
"The 2.75% on offer this year is the best in the public sector and the three-year deal offers stability. However, the rising costs of everyday items such as food, fuel and energy obviously make members wary about being locked into a three-year deal. "That is why we negotiated a reopener clause that we will not hesitate to trigger if inflation continues to rise."We know that a number of small health unions have voted against accepting the offer and we will be making it a priority to meet with them and discuss a way forward."
The offer gives:
2.75% in the first year;
a headline increase of 2.54% in the second year, while also introducing a new minimum wage of £6.77 an hour for all NHS staff, 18% higher than the statutory minimum wage and meaning that those on the lowest pay 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.
The two-thirds Yes vote in the ballot represents a solid vote for acceptance in the most representative test of opinion across the NHS workforce, as a result of a full postal ballot of the union with the largest membership across all grades and professions.
UNISON negotiators also point out that the package represents the best deal in the public sector, 8.1% over the years and up to 10.5% for entry-grade professionals with a new minimum hourly wage of £6.77.
But the union also recognises that a third of members in the ballot voting against the package reflects the anxiety felt about increasing food and fuel prices.The union warned the government that UNISON members will not tolerate a below-inflation increase next year, and if inflation continues to go up rather than down, UNISON will trigger the reopener clause for year two.
Members can expect to see the money from this pay rise in their pay packets in July.
Saturday 17 May 2008
COLUMBIAN TRADE UNIONISTS VISIT NORTHUMBRIA HEALTHCARE
On Wednesday 19th March 2008 UNISON Northumbria Healthcare at Wansbeck General Hospital were visited by a delegation from Colombia South America.
The two Colombian Delegates were Carlos Gonzales, Trade Union Activist and Olga Alauja Human rights activist, they were accompanied by Alyson Grainger interpreter and Kenny Bell Unisons northern region deputy convenor.
They were met by George Barron Unison Branch Secretary and various Unison Stewards.
George took them around the hospital, were they visited the following Departments A&E, X-Ray and General Theatres, as well as talking to various staff in the corridors. Unison would like to thank all staff in these departments who met and spoke with our guests.
Carlos and Olga mentioned they were very envious of the facilities our NHS has and felt that the hospital was very clean and bright, they said the domestics must be very good we took them to A&E and they wondered why there were not patients and bodies lying all over (that apparently is what it’s like in Colombia). They thought A&E and Theatres were out of this world in comparison with back
home.
After the tour of the hospital, Unison stewards had brief Question and Answer session and discussion.
George Barron said “I felt quite humble and ended up with a lump in my throat; Carlos and Olga were telling us a couple of weeks ago some friends of theirs (hospital workers) were shot and killed, their crime was being an activist in the hospital workers trade union in Colombia “They are oppressed by dictatorship”.
When we asked if we could help in any way, they said they wanted solidarity with other Trade Unionists around the world and more than anything else wanted to have elected members of Government such as we have who they could approach and get to act on their behalf.
I know the other Unison Stewards found it quite daunting to hear these stories. So whilst we can’t diverse from any problems we have in England it does make you sit back and think.
Thanks once again to everyone who participated
The two Colombian Delegates were Carlos Gonzales, Trade Union Activist and Olga Alauja Human rights activist, they were accompanied by Alyson Grainger interpreter and Kenny Bell Unisons northern region deputy convenor.
They were met by George Barron Unison Branch Secretary and various Unison Stewards.
George took them around the hospital, were they visited the following Departments A&E, X-Ray and General Theatres, as well as talking to various staff in the corridors. Unison would like to thank all staff in these departments who met and spoke with our guests.
Carlos and Olga mentioned they were very envious of the facilities our NHS has and felt that the hospital was very clean and bright, they said the domestics must be very good we took them to A&E and they wondered why there were not patients and bodies lying all over (that apparently is what it’s like in Colombia). They thought A&E and Theatres were out of this world in comparison with back
home.
After the tour of the hospital, Unison stewards had brief Question and Answer session and discussion.
George Barron said “I felt quite humble and ended up with a lump in my throat; Carlos and Olga were telling us a couple of weeks ago some friends of theirs (hospital workers) were shot and killed, their crime was being an activist in the hospital workers trade union in Colombia “They are oppressed by dictatorship”.
When we asked if we could help in any way, they said they wanted solidarity with other Trade Unionists around the world and more than anything else wanted to have elected members of Government such as we have who they could approach and get to act on their behalf.
I know the other Unison Stewards found it quite daunting to hear these stories. So whilst we can’t diverse from any problems we have in England it does make you sit back and think.
Thanks once again to everyone who participated
Friday 16 May 2008
UNISON NURSING
A number of resources for Nursing Staff
UNISON Nursing Matters Newsletter conference special http://www.unison.org.uk/file/17178.pdf
UNISON Student Nursing Newsletter Spring 2008
http://www.unison.org.uk/file/A6432.pdf
Health Care Assistants conference 2008
http://www.unison.org.uk/file/A6906b.pdf
Get Connected join UNISON Nursings Electronic Forums
http://www.unison.org.uk/file/A6501.pdf
UNISON Nursing Matters Newsletter conference special http://www.unison.org.uk/file/17178.pdf
UNISON Student Nursing Newsletter Spring 2008
http://www.unison.org.uk/file/A6432.pdf
Health Care Assistants conference 2008
http://www.unison.org.uk/file/A6906b.pdf
Get Connected join UNISON Nursings Electronic Forums
http://www.unison.org.uk/file/A6501.pdf
PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL & HEALTHCARE SCIENCE STAFF
For a copy of the UNISON Spring 2008 newsletter click on the link below.
http://www.unison.org.uk/file/A3924UNISONPTBnewsletterSpring2008.pdf
http://www.unison.org.uk/file/A3924UNISONPTBnewsletterSpring2008.pdf
PAY 2008
UNISON is balloting members on a 3 year pay offer. UNISON is not making any recomendation on the offer.
Information on the offer is available here:
http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B3920.pdf
http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B3896.pdf
http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B3921.pdf
http://www.unisonoxonhealth.org.uk/pay/index.htm
UNISON evidence to Pay Review Body http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B3738a.pdf
Members in the NHS should be receiving ballot papers on or after this Thursday, 15 May. They must be returned by 6 June. Papers can be requested for new joiners up until the 3 June deadline.
UNISON direct are taking calls about the ballot on 0845 355 0845, textphone 0800 0 967 968, from 6am to midnight Monday to Friday and 9pm to 4pm on Saturday.Not got a vote? Join UNISON today and have your say. Ring 0845 355 0845 and ask for an application form
Information on the offer is available here:
http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B3920.pdf
http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B3896.pdf
http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B3921.pdf
http://www.unisonoxonhealth.org.uk/pay/index.htm
UNISON evidence to Pay Review Body http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B3738a.pdf
Members in the NHS should be receiving ballot papers on or after this Thursday, 15 May. They must be returned by 6 June. Papers can be requested for new joiners up until the 3 June deadline.
UNISON direct are taking calls about the ballot on 0845 355 0845, textphone 0800 0 967 968, from 6am to midnight Monday to Friday and 9pm to 4pm on Saturday.Not got a vote? Join UNISON today and have your say. Ring 0845 355 0845 and ask for an application form
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