Implementation of the non-pay elements of the NHS pay deal

The NHS Staff Council has issued a statement welcoming the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) announcement that the government and NHS Staff Council will work together to implement non-pay elements of the NHS pay deal.  

Steve Barclay, Secretary of State for Health, outlined today in an open letter to NHS staff how the government will work with the NHS Staff Council to oversee the implementation of each of the commitments made in the deal.  

The NHS Staff Council and the DHSC will jointly chair a programme board, working collaboratively with leads from NHS England and NHS Employers to begin implementing the commitments. This includes ways to boost the welfare and retention of the NHS workforce and to improve opportunities for nursing career progression, reviewing safe staffing guidance and reducing agency spend.  

Commenting on today’s announcement, Oonagh Monkhouse, the joint chair representing employers said:   

“Employers represented by the NHS Staff Council welcome the opportunity to work with staff-side colleagues and other partners on this range of important issues that so directly impact on a positive staff work experience and our ability to attract and retain staff.”    

Sara Gorton, joint chair of the NHS Staff Council representing the trade unions said:  

"As crucial as pay is, there are many other issues requiring action if the NHS is to become an attractive employer and successfully hold onto experienced staff and attract keen new recruits. 

 "Morale has taken a pummelling recently and staff will be hoping for swift progress on the issues attached to the deal."

Read the NHS Staff Council statement in full and find out more about all elements of the NHS Agenda for Change pay deal.