News / Unions warn employers after AFC deal reached

NHS unions have called on employers to end attempts to move away from national terms and conditions after they agreed amendments to the national agenda for change (AFC) pay and rewards framework.

NHS Employers proposed the changes last year, which were agreed by the NHS Staff Council at the end of February and come into effect on 31 March. They include allowing employers to make a stronger link between an individual’s performance and pay progression. Staff in bands 8C, 8D and 9 will have to earn progression into the last two points in a pay band each year.

Pay progression based on preceptorship for staff joining band 5 as new entrants will be removed and employers will be able to put in place alternative, non-AFC, pay arrangements for band 8C and above.

The changes will also put an end to unsocial hours enhancements to sick pay in the majority of cases.

New guidance will be issued on workforce re-profiling. This will insist on following the processes set out in the NHS job evaluation handbook and local policies to protect staff redeployed into lower grade posts following organisational changes.

Staff side chair Christina McAnea said: ‘In reaching agreement on changes to national terms and conditions for NHS staff today, we expect this agreement to provide security for staff, that their pay terms and conditions will continue to be agreed nationally and prevent further moves towards local pay.’

However, as Healthcare Finance went to press, the South West Pay and Conditions Consortium – the group of 19 trusts exploring ways the NHS could save on its pay bill – was poised to publish its final business case outlining options for change. The consortium has no power to amend contracts, but each member trust will consider the report’s recommendations and decide whether to take them forward.

Consortium chairman Chris Bown welcomed the deal. ‘The consortium is encouraged by the commitment shown in ensuring national NHS terms and conditions are sustainable and fair. This deal is an important development. We all now need to press on and ensure the deal is implemented,’ he said.

See news alerts for coverage of the consortium’s business case