Commenting on the invitation received today (Thursday) from the government for health unions to attend formal pay talks, chair of the union group on the NHS staff council and UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said:
“Health unions will need to clarify the basis upon which talks can get underway through the NHS staff council.
“This includes understanding the status of the unilateral talks that have taken place with the Royal College of Nursing.”
Secretary of the NHS group of unions and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy assistant director of employment relations Elaine Sparkes said: “Once the picture becomes clearer, the unions will decide what to do next.”
Notes to editors:
– The NHS staff council is made up of representatives from health unions, NHS employers, the Department of Health and Social Care, and NHS England.
– Last week Sara Gorton and Elaine Sparkes wrote to Steve Barclay urging him to get formal pay talks underway through the NHS staff council.
– The union side of the NHS staff council is made up of representatives from: the British Association of Occupational Therapists, British Dietetic Association, British Orthoptic Society, Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, Royal College of Podiatry, Federation of Clinical Scientists, GMB, Managers in Partnership, Prison Officers Association, Royal College of Nursing, Royal College of Midwives, Society of Radiographers, UNISON and Unite.
Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Jon Ryan M: 07917 091200 E: ryanj@csp.org.uk
