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Press release: SAS contract blueprint outlined: joint press release from NHS Employers and BMA07 Mar 2006 A possible framework for the new staff and associate specialist contract, which would see an end to the discretionary and optional points system, is outlined today (Tuesday 7 March 2006) by the BMA and NHS Employers. Negotiations have been exploring the possibility of creating a new single grade to replace the previous structure. Under the model being looked at, the associate specialist grade would be closed to new entrants. Doctors working in this grade would be able to stay in it, while current staff grade doctors who were eligible would have a 'window of opportunity' to enter it. Details of pay rates in the grades have not been finalised, but both sides have agreed that the discretionary and optional points system should be abolished, with the equivalent increments incorporated into the pay scales so all doctors would access them as they progressed.
Mr Awani Choudhary, lead negotiator for the BMA's Staff and Associate Specialists Committee, says: "SAS doctors are the ones who will decide on the new contract and this is the right time for them to start having detailed information about the way talks are going. This is the model that we're looking at but nothing is final yet. We are working to achieve the best deal available and neither side is about to walk away. This framework has the potential to deliver much of what SAS doctors need - better pay, far fewer career barriers, and an end to the unfair system of optional and discretionary points. However, there is still some way to go before we reach a final deal. We're still working under the principle that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed." Heather Lawrence, lead negotiator for NHS Employers says: "We have been holding regular constructive meetings with the BMA. The details of the deal still need to be agreed. However, I am encouraged and heartened by the progress we have made so far in jointly drawing up proposals for a new contract that will benefit patients, doctors and their employers. "I am particularly keen to develop a contract that supports the provision of good quality services for patients and I believe we can help achieve this by giving SAS doctors better access to job planning, training and appraisal and by encouraging them to work more flexibly through the provision of out of hours payments. We will continue working with the BMA to reach a deal that can then be put out to ballot among doctors as soon as possible."
Notes for editors
2: The financial package for the new SAS contract in England is £50 million for 2006-2007 Contact detailsThe press office provides a comprehensive service to keep journalists informed about the work of NHS Employers. If you have a media enquiry, please contact the press office team:
For out of hours media enquiries, please contact the duty press officer on 07880 500726. Last reviewed 7 Mar 2006 |
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