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Press release: NHS Employers and BMA publish more details of possible SAS contract framework23 Mar 2006 More details of a possible framework for the new contract for SAS doctors are published today (Thursday 23 March, 2006) by the British Medical Association and NHS Employers. No final agreement has been reached, but negotiators are looking into the creation of a new grade to replace the current staff grade and associate specialist roles. Details of pay rates are still under discussion, but it is likely that the salary scale would start at a level above the current minimum for staff grade doctors and finish at a point higher than the current maximum for staff grade doctors receiving optional points. It is proposed that the current 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. Mr Awani Choudhary, lead negotiator for the BMA's Staff and Associate Specialists Committee, says: The proposed new grade would be divided into three levels by two thresholds. A series of automatic annual increments would take doctors to the first threshold, which most doctors would cross. Progression would be related to a doctor's job plan and appraisal. As they progressed, doctors would produce a portfolio of work, which would support both their movement through the grade, and applications to PMETB under Article 14. Heather Lawrence, lead negotiator for NHS Employers, said: "We believe that these proposals would assist all doctors in this group in developing their careers" A process for assimilation into the new structure, which would guarantee that no doctors lost out financially, is under discussion. NHS Employers and the BMA are also looking at ways of facilitating movement into and out of training. 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 27 Mar 2006 |
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