NHS Agenda for Change review: scope

Career development and progression

Supplementary staffing – rates of pay, allowances and overtime

Staff side position

Recognition and reward for additional work undertaken by NHS staff. There is a common view that whilst supplementary staffing will remain a feature of the delivery of services, there is an urgent need to do all possible to stabilise the workforce and properly reward additional hours worked. We have a shared concern that the escalating reliance on high-cost agency is not sustainable. We are aware of the work currently being led by the CNOs office and make the flowing observation on the need to revise terms and conditions.

Staff Side propose a move to standard overtime rates for all additional hours worked by substantive NHS employees. This would include those hours worked through bank arrangements.

Dialogue is required on measures to further alleviate high-costs agency utilisation in areas such as ICU or other specialist services where current NHS staff might be willing to deploy to adjacent/more distant boards where travel is involved but, for example, costs inhibit. Additionally, we seek consistency in the grades paid to staff who do offer to undertake extra hours and seek payment on actual grade.

Rates of pay and the way which substantive staff are paid through the bank should be reviewed as the current system acts as a disincentive and encourages staff to seek agency work. There were temporary changes in response to Covid which should be part of the considerations.