News / Unions split over AFC proposals

04 February 2013

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Updates to agenda for change (AFC) moved closer as the Royal College of Nursing said it would support proposed amendments to the terms and conditions of most NHS staff, including tighter controls on incremental pay progression and unsocial hours sick pay.

But it is likely the unions on the NHS Staff Council – the body responsible for AFC, which has union and employer representation – will be split when a decision on the plans is due on 26 February. Unite has rejected the proposals, and it will probably be joined by the GMB. It is likely the Royal College of Midwives will back the plan, though the position of the largest NHS union, Unison, is unclear.

RCN council chair Kath McCourt said it would continue to work with other NHS unions on the proposals. ‘While it is our position to support these changes, no action will be taken until the NHS Staff Side Council meets next month and a final decision is made,’ she said.

Unite head of health Rachael Maskell said its members had overwhelmingly rejected the changes. ‘We note that NHS Employers has said these changes won’t be imposed if unions don’t sign up. But we are worried that hardline “rogue” employers will try to flex their muscles locally to attack pay and conditions,’ she said.

Changes to doctors’ contracts may also be proposed. The Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration Body recommends reform of clinical excellence awards, while an NHS Employers report called for full renegotiation of the contract for doctors in training.