30.08.13
Ambulance sick pay arrangements rejected
Unions have rejected arrangements on sick pay for ambulance staff. NHS Employers and staff agreed that sickness absence pay will be basic plus high cost area allowance in February, but the removal of an exception for ‘unsocial hours payment’ has since been rejected.
The new agreement only includes exceptions for those injured at work and the lowest paid staff. However, GMB, UNISON and Unite members have voted to reject the proposals to remove pay for ambulance staff working outside normal hours, which could result in up to 25% deduction in pay.
Dean Royles, chief executive of the NHS Employers organisation, said he was “very disappointed”.
“Agreement with unions followed rigorous discussion in the NHS Staff Council and was stated to apply to all ‘Agenda for Change' staff. The issue has been about how it applied to ambulance staff, not if.
“It is only fair that the same approach to calculating sick pay is used for all Agenda for Change staff, including those who work in the ambulance sector.
“These revisions were made to ensure the national pay framework is being responsive to the needs of the service, supporting patient care and improving job security.”
Rehana Azam GMB national officer for the NHS said: “GMB Ambulance Sector agreed to carry out a two month consultation on the proposal set out by the employer to cut sickness pay by up to 25%. The GMB Ambulance Sector agreed on a longer timescale because they knew any potential rejection would have serious implications for the service.
“GMB Ballot closed on Friday 23rd August and after a detailed examination of the vote it is clear GMB members have voted overwhelmingly to reject any attempts to cut their sick pay and the result of the ballot has shown that ambulance workers are prepared to take industrial action to defend their sick pay. GMB calls for the employers to do the sensible thing and leave sick pay alone.”
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