14.11.12
Trust leaves South West pay consortium
A trust has withdrawn from the south west pay consortium, saying it is more hopeful now of a positive outcome from the national negotiations on pay.
The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which is in the process of merging with Poole Hospital NHS FT, suggested regional negotiations as part of the consortium were proving a distraction.
The consortium was set up in June, and now consists of 19 trusts in the south west. The trusts say a regional approach to pay, terms and conditions is the only way to protect jobs and care standards, but the consortium has been severely criticised by unions.
The consortium is due to advise its member trusts on options for change before the end of 2012.
Chief executive of the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch trust Tony Spotswood said: “Following careful consideration, the trust’s board of directors has decided to withdraw from the South West Pay, Terms and Conditions Consortium.
“The Board is encouraged by the progress made in the national negotiations and wishes to see these continue as we strive for pay, terms and conditions that fully reflect the needs of the service going forward.
“The reason we have taken the decision to come out is that it's proving a significant distraction to staff in relation to the merger that we are going forward with at this time.”
Rehana Azam, GMB national officer for the NHS, said: “If this is the final decision from the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS FT I am really pleased and welcome this.
“I hope the other NHS trusts in the South West follow their example. Regional pay would lead to lower pay for NHS staff in the regions. It is bad for NHS staff, bad for patients and bad for the local economy.”
A spokesperson for the consortium commented: “The consortium was formed in order for trusts in the south west to explore together pay, terms and conditions. Specifically, the role they may play in supporting trusts to be sustainable organisations, better able to guarantee services and employment in the face of unprecedented challenges.
“The remaining members continue to work towards a full business case by the end of the year.”
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