NHS Scotland Agenda for Change (AFC) Pay Deal for 2018-21: EQIA

Stage 1: Framing

Results of framing exercise

Direct negotiations with Staff Side commenced in May 2018, following the announcement of the Department of Health NHS England AfC Pay Deal from 2018-2021 on 19 March 2018. Discussions were informed by the requirement to ensure that NHS Scotland staff continued to be paid at least as well as their NHS England counterparts and the Unions wished to address both staff at the top of the pay band and those who had not yet reached their band maxima. A 9% increase for those at the top of the band was agreed, whilst incremental progression was maintained and pay journeys were shortened.

This AfC pay deal for 2018-21 cost around £70 million more than the available budget which had been costed by the intention to apply Public Sector Pay Policy for 2018-19 over the 3 years and the Barnett consequentials received from the UK Government. In return, discussion on reform to 4 areas of terms and conditions was secured to improve recruitment and retentions and secure improvements in productivity for our health service.

Extent/Level of EQIA required

The AfC 3 year pay deal for 2018-21 will have limited impact on each of the protected characteristics. The following assessment is therefore a short review of the available evidence and the likely effects of this policy.