NHS Agenda for Change review: scope

Flexibility and modern ways of working

Reduced working week

A commitment has already been made to scope the reduction of the working week in the NHS to 36 hours as pay of the 2022/23 pay deal. This details that:

A working group will be established to explore the feasibility and implications of reduced hours in the working week, with the aim of getting to a 36 hour working week without the loss of earnings within an agreed timescale taking account of matters including, but not limited to, service provisions, safe staffing levels, staff wellbeing, and costs. Implementation of any recommendations will be costed and fully resourced and will be reflected in local NHS board workforce plans and set out in future NHS Scotland health and social care workforce plans.

Staff side position

In support of work life balance, there is a common view that the commitment to reducing the working week to 36 hours has been welcomed, commencing as soon as possible with a commitment to reach a 36 hour working week in the shortest achievable timescale. It is recognised this will be required to be incremental over an agreed period.

Employers position

Employers’ have noted strongly that any move to reduce the working week should be accompanied with service reform. Any implementation should be done on a phased basis to ensure a smooth transition.

Maternity, paternity and shared parental leave agreements 

Staff side position

Staff Side would wish that consideration is given to aligning the qualifying period for such leave to that of other public sector provision, for example the qualifying period within Scottish local authorities, meaning that NHS occupational maternity pay for example would be payable after 6 months qualifying service. There is also a requirement for clear guidance on maternity leave pay for those on bank contracts.

Employers position

Employers are content to work with Staff Side and Scottish Government to address priorities through reviewing terms and conditions of service to provide a safe and effective service for staff and patients.