Change of full-time officer   
In a letter addressed to the Director of HR at NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Regional Officer Michael Fuller has indicated that with effect from 1st January 2009 he will no longer be responsible for members employed within the health board, and that Regional Officer Gordon Casey will be taking over (R.O. Brian McDonald remains responsible for craft and estates members). In his letter, Mr. Fuller thanked the Director of HR and his management colleagues for their advice and assistance provided over the last 21 years. A copy of the letter, which may be downloaded here, was sent to Ian Forbes and Donald Sime: this copy of a letter to management would appear to be the Branch’s official notification of a change in regional officer coverage.
The Branch officers and senior representatives would like to welcome Gordon, and we look forward to a productive and cooperative partnership.
(posted 29/12/2008)
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Laboratory out-of-hours negotiations  
Following a lengthy break, negotiations on a local, pan-Glasgow out-of-hours agreement for NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde have resumed. At a meeting held on 16th December, a number of basic principles were agreed but it would be fair to say that the two sides remain far apart in terms of what they see as being a reasonable outcome. Further meetings of the negotiating group have been arranged for 14th January, 3rd February, 27th February and 17th March. Laboratory-based members will be kept informed of any significant progress via their local representative.
(posted 29/12/2008)
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New GG&C discipline and grievance policies  
Earlier this month, the Area Partnership Forum agreed pan-Greater Glasgow & Clyde discipline and grievance policies which come into effect from 1st January 2009 and replace the separate Divisional policies currently in use. The policies are available on Staffnet, but for your convenience the grievance policy may be downloaded here and the disciplinary policy here.
posted 30/12/2008)
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2009 Meetings  
The calendar of 2009 meetings for Glasgow Health Service Branch and for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Group Committee has been published. The Branch dates may be viewed here and the Group here
(posted 29/12/2008)
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Unite attacks pay report 
Unite’s National Officer for Health, Karen Reay said: ‘Our members voted overwhelmingly to reject the three-year pay deal imposed by the government. The PRB report is a bitter blow and we think its remit is too narrow when looking at the overall pay and employment conditions for NHS staff.’
Unite’s National Officer for Health, David Fleming said: ‘It should be made clear that Unite is still in dispute with the four health departments of the UK over the pay deal which is well below the current rate of inflation and that we have a democratic mandate for industrial action up to and including strike action.’
‘It is firmly in the hands of government to resolve this dispute early in 2009. We call, once more, on the government to enter into meaningful talks on the issue of a realistic pay deal for hard-working NHS staff.’
A joint meeting of Unite’s Health Sector National Industrial Committee will be held on Monday 12th January 2009 - attended by representatives from both the Amicus and TGWU sections - to agree the way forward’ in respect of the dispute over the three-year ‘derisory’ pay deal.
(posted 19/12/2008)
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Pay review body report disappointing  
The NHS Pay Review Body (PRB) has decided that it will not recommend that the pay settlement of 2.4% for April 2009 should be reviewed. They also decided that they could not support the requests for recruitment and retention premia to be paid to midwives or building craft workers. The PRB letter can be downloaded here.
(posted 19/12/2008)
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Pay increases for staff on organisational change protection 
Since the discontinuation of Whitley pay scales in 2005, there has been no clear method of applying yearly uplifts to the salaries of staff who went on to “no detriment” protection of Whitley pay, prior to 1st October 2004, under NHSScotland’s organisational change protection policy. This issue has been discussed in partnership by the Scottish Terms and Conditions Committee (STAC) and agreement has now been reached to increase “target earnings” for staff in this position in line with yearly Agenda for Change uplifts. The official circular may be downloaded from here
(posted 17/12/2008)
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Day of action: Southern General Demonstration
Branch members from numerous hospitals in NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde were among the Unite members from throughout Scotland (including Dumfries and Dundee) who demonstrated at the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow on the 3rd December.. The demonstration and work to rule received reasonable publicity locally, including radio and newspapers.

Senior representative Fiona Holland being interviewed by Real Radio





(posted 04/12/2008)
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Scots legal system gets H&S division 
A specialist health and safety division is to be set up by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to deal with occupational safety cases. The new divison wil be responsible for prosecuting employers who commit breaches of health and safety legislation. The move has been welcomed by the Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC).
(posted 04/12/2008)
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3rd December day of action
As you are no doubt aware the Union is calling a “Day of Action” for Wednesday 3rd December. Within Scotland, part of this will consist of a demonstration at the Southern General Hospital (Govan Road main entrance) between 12.30 and 2.30 and all Unite Reps, and as many members as possible, are strongly encouraged to attend (please note that for legal reasons this must be in your own time e.g. lunch break).
If members wish to take other action to support this day, then this should be in the form of a general work to rule, non attendance at non clinical or patient centred meetings, non use of the email system and the non use of personal mobile phones on health service related business . In addition the Union is calling for a general overtime ban – emergency cover must be provided.
(posted 27/11//2008)
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General Secretary nomination 
After discussion, the Branch agreed to nominate Kevin Coyne for the post of General Secretary of the Amicus section of the union. Kevin was national secretary for health prior to his current position of northwest regional secretary.
(posted 27/11//2008)
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Pay dispute: day of action agreed 
The Unite NHS National Industrial Committee met on Friday 14th November to consider the outcome of the industrial action ballot.  Following a lengthy debate, it was agreed to  call a Day of Action on 3rd December.  Members will be asked to participate in actions, short of strike, that do not impact directly on patient care. Details of of suggested actions will be circulated via the usual official routes.  A special meeting of the Scottish NHS Committee has been called for Tuesday 18th November.
(posted 15/11//2008)
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Briefing note on sickness absence 
Representatives and members will have noticed the occasionally idiosyncratic application of NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde’s absence management policy.  A briefing note to guide and assist representatives has been produced and can be downloaded from the Reference page - click here . Other additions to the Branch library are the Labour Research Department’s booklets on ‘Health & Safety Law 2008’ and ‘Monitoring & surveillance at work’.  A full list of available publications can be seen here.
(posted 16/11//2008)
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Unite NHS Pay Ballot Result 
NHS pay dispute
 
Are you prepared to take part in strike action?

Number of votes cast: 18,491
Spoiled voting papers:      358
Number voting YES:      9,812
Number voting NO:       8,321
 
Are you prepared to take part in industrial action short of a strike?
Number of votes cast: 18,491
Spoiled voting papers:        98
Number voting YES:   14,070
Number voting NO:      4,323
 
T he Unite NHS National Industry Committee representing both the Amicus and TGWU membership in the NHS will be meeting on Friday 14th November to determine the union’s next steps in our dispute.
(posted 13/11//2008)
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Election of Amicus Section General Secretary 
The Unite Executive Council has called an immediate election for the post of General Secretary of the Amicus Section.  Nominations for the post may be put forward at the next Branch meeting which will be held on Wednesday 26th November at 6.30 pm in the STUC, 333 Woodlands Road, Glasgow G3 6NG.  Details of Branch meetings can be found here
(posted 13/11//2008)
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NHS GG&C Public Holidays 2009 
The dates for public holidays in NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde have been agreed by the Partnership Forum and may be downloaded here.
(posted 13/11/2008)
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Ballot on Industrial Action 
The Unite–Amicus Section NHS National Industrial Committee unanimously agreed at its meeting held on 25^th September 2008 that the Union should ballot NHS members seeking their support for strike action in opposition to the three year pay deal that is effectively cutting the pay of NHS staff.  Emergency cover, under trade union control, would be provided. The ballot will be held towards the end of October.  A report of the meeting by Branch Chair Donald Sime can be downloaded here.
(posted 01/10//2008)
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Branch elections  
The biennial election of the Branch officers and committee took place at the October meeting.  The most significant change was the election of Derrick Anstee as Branch Treasurer replacing Richard Shaw, who had indicated that he would not be seeking re-election due to other commitments.  The Branch thanked Richard for his years of service in a backroom but invaluable role.

Chairperson: Donald Sime Secretary: Maureen Jenkins Assistant Secretary: Linda Clarke Treasurer: Derrick Anstee Vice-chairperson: Helen McFarlane Safety Officer: Derrick Anstee Equalities Officer: Linda Clarke Web-site Editor: James Ito Education Officer: Ian Forbes Auditors: Bill Davis and Jim McKay Committee: Marlene Barrie; Bill Davis; Jim McKay; Tom Holmes, Helen McDermott; Ian Forbes; James Ito Trustees: John Black and Jimmy Anderson

(posted 13/11/2008)
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Branch elections
Elections for the Branch Officer posts and the Branch Committee will be held at the October meeting (details here).  All current Branch Officers (details here) and Committee members are eligible, but the Treasurer has indicated that he is not seeking re-election.
(posted 01/10//2008)
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Labs on-call protection extended to other groups 
The NHS Staff Council Executive’s  frequently asked questions  on Agenda for Change has the following statement:
In paragraph 2.7 the protection of on-call arrangements during the 'interim regime' are described as a 'particular feature of NHS pathology departments'. All out of hours working in pathology is defined as 'on-call'. However other staff groups (including radiographers, physiotherapists and clinical scientists) may also work similar 'out of hours' arrangements which have also been regarded as 'on-call'. Where this has occurred these arrangements are protected until new AFC on-call arrangements are negotiated.
(posted 23/09/2008)
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Changes to annual leave pay 
Section 2 of the Agenda for Change Handbook has been amended to reflect the new UK agreement on unsocial hours payments from 1 April 2008. Part of that agreement is that staff must be paid “as if at work” during periods of annual leave. The current practice of paying an additional percentage in lieu of annual leave for staff in specific circumstances is therefore no longer an option and different arrangements need to be put in place. This will apply to staff who currently get 11.59% added to their unsocial hours, regular additional basic hours (part -time staff), contracted overtime and on any on-call allowance.  Full details may be downloaded here. 
(posted 23/09/2008)
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Lies, damned lies and inflation statistics  
Branch members may have noticed that the ‘official’ inflation rate does not appear to accurately reflect their personal experience when shopping.  There are three inflation figures published by the UK government; they are all based on an ‘average’ consumer’s expenditure but each has different parameters and, usually, a different outcome:
RPI - is the traditional measure, frequently used in pay bargaining. However, spending patterns of pensioners and the very highly paid are excluded
RPIX - the same as RPI, but excluding mortgage interest
CPI - the government’s preferred measure.  Housing costs such as council tax and mortgage interest are excluded, but pensioners and the highest paid are included.  The Office for National Statistics (ONS) admits that because of the mathematical model used “the CPI always shows a lower inflation rate than the RPI for given price data”.
If you want to check your own, personal inflation rate, the ONS has an on-line calculator at www.statistics.gov.uk/pic. At the moment, the less well off sections of society have an inflation rate considerably higher than the official rate(s), because they spend more of their available income on items such as food (up 12.8%), fuel for transport (up 20.8%) and heating & lighting (up 24.6%).  All figures are as at August 2008.
(posted 23/09/2008)
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United Magazine 
United, the magazine for Unite members, is published four times a year.  To receive it, members should use one of the following methods:
Phone 0800 833 0605 (have your membership number handy)
Text your membership number to: 81025
Email your membership number to: mymag@unitetheunion.com
or send your name and membership number to: Freepost, Unhited Magazine, Unite the Union, West Common Road, Bromley  BR2 7AU
(posted 23/09/2008)
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AfC Protection - Annex R 
The Scottish  Terms and Conditions Committee (STAC) has reached agreement on how Annex R of the Agenda for Change Terms and Conditions should be implemented in Scotland. In brief, the agreement means that any member of staff who is in receipt of AfC salary protection and is a member of the professions listed below will have that protection replaced by an equivalent payment which, unlike AfC protection, is superannuable and is uprated annually. The detailed circular may be downloaded here and members are advised that if they believe that it applies to their circumstances they should raise the matter with their line manager.
Annex R applies to the following professional groups: clinical coding officers (Band 3); cytology screeners (bands 3 and 4); dental nurses (bands 3 and above); dental technicians (band 4 and above); estates officers (Band 5 and above); finance profiles (Band 5 and above); finance assistants dealing with invoice processing (Bands 1,2 and 3); biomedical scientists (bands 5 and above); finance team leader (Bands 4 and above); pharmacists (Band 5 and above); MTOs (Band 4 and above); midwives (Band 5).
(posted 31/08/2008)
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Reps meeting on public sector pay  
Unite has organised a meeting of representatives and activists across the public sector (NHS, local authorities and Ministry of Defence) on Friday 19th September 2008 at 11.00am in the union’s offices at John Smith House, 145 West Regent Street, Glasgow. All representatives should have received a written invitation by now - if not, please email Joanne.Casserly@unitetheunion.com - and are encouraged to attend. The purpose of the meeting is to allow representatives to inform our national negotiators of members’ responses to the current pay situation and to get a report back on the union’s campaign.
(posted 31/08/2008)
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Website changes 
The website has a number of modifications.  In particular the new ‘Advice’ tab leads to a section with some basic advice for members with employment related issues and the contact details for the Senior Representatives within NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.  Please note that these details are points of first contact and that any current arrangements which differ still stand.
(posted 31/08/2008)
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Use of transitional points on assimilation to AfC
Despite the clear agreement in the Agenda for Change Terms and Conditions, NHS Scotland has not been implementing the paragraphs regarding the use of transitonal points for staff approaching the normal pension age as defined by the NHS Superannuation scheme (usually 60, or 55 for special classes). If at the date of assimilation (1st October 2004, or later if that was when employment commenced) a member of staff was within 4 years or less of the normal pension age, then the use of the special transitional points should have been modified to the benefit of the staff member, regardless of whether or not the member actually retired.  Unfortunately, Payroll Departments throughout Scotland have not been applying this part of the agreement correctly and members who fall into the age bracket defined above are advised to read the latest NHS circular from the Scottish Government (it can be downloaded from this page).  As usual, advice may be obtained from a Branch Officer or Senior Representative
(posted  10/08/2008)
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Latest circulars
The reference section of the website has been updated with the following circulars:
PCS)AFC)2008_09 - Extension of current on-call arrangements to March 2010
PCS(AFC)2008_08 - mileage allowances for motor cycles wef July 2008
PCS(AFC)2008_07 - application of transitional points; alternating shift allowance
PCS(AFC)2008)05 - mileage allowances with effect from July 2008
PCS(AFC)2008_04 - Payment on account for staff not assimilated to AfC.
Agenda for Change Qs and As (June 2008)
PCS(AFC)2008_03 - Pay scales for 2008 and time off and facilites for union representatives.
(posted 10/08/2008)
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Pay protest latest 
Unite held a joint meeting of the Amicus and T&GWU Health Sector Committees on the 2^nd July.  In addition to the 18^th July NHS day of protest, the following actions were agreed:
 - Early Day Motion in Parliament opposing the current pay settlement;
 - letter to the Secretary of State for Health and equivalents in the devolved countries stating that the union is in dispute over the current pay settlement;
 - complaint to be lodged with the TUC over Unison’s actions;
 - motion to be submitted to the TUC conference regarding the current pay settlement; and
 - ensuring that there is a political dimension to the union’s pay campaign.
Report by Donald Sime
(posted 04/07/2008)
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Mileage allowances increased 
The NHS Employers website has published increased mileage rates agreed by the NHS Staff  Council.  The new rates apply from 1st July 2008
Regular user allowance - cars:
Engine capacity up to 1000cc and up to 9000 miles per year:
 - increase from 27.0 pence per mile in the Handbook now, to 29.7 pence.
 - Engine capacity up to 1000cc and over 9000 miles per year:- increase from 16.2 pence per mile in the Handbook now, to 17.8 pence.
 - Engine capacity 1001 to 1500cc and up to 9000 miles per year:- increase from 33.5 pence per mile in the Handbook now, to 36.9 pence.
 - Engine capacity 1001cc to 1500cc and over 9000 miles per year:- increase from 18.3 pence per mile in the Handbook now, to 20.1 pence.
 - Engine capacity over 1500cc and up to 9000 miles per year:- increase from 40.0 pence per mile in the Handbook now, to 44 pence.
 - Engine capacity over 1500cc and over 9000 miles per year:- increase from 20.5 pence per mile in the Handbook now, to 22.6 pence
Standard rates - cars:
 - Engine capacity up to 1000cc and up to 3,500 miles per year:- increase from 34.0 pence per mile in the Handbook now, to 37.4 pence.
 - Engine capacity up to 1000cc and over 3,500 miles per year:- increase from 16.2 pence per mile in the Handbook now, to 17.8 pence.
 -Engine capacity 1001 to 1500cc and up to 3,500 miles per year:- increase from 43.0 pence per mile in the Handbook now, to 47.3 pence.
 -Engine capacity 1001cc to 1500cc and over 3,500 miles per year:- increase from 18.3 pence per mile in the Handbook now, to 20.1 pence.
 -Engine capacity over 1500cc and up to 3,500 miles per year:- increase from 53.0 pence per mile in the Handbook now, to 58.3 pence.
 - Engine capacity over 1500cc and over 3,500 miles per year:- increase from 20.5 pence per mile in the Handbook now, to 22.6 pence.
Public transport rate:
- Increase the public transport rate from 23 pence per mile in the Handbook now, to 24 pence per mile.
Passenger rate:
 - Increase the passenger allowance from 2 pence per mile for each passenger in the Handbook now to 5 pence per mile for each passenger.
Pedal cycles:
 - Increase the minimum rate of allowance in the Handbook from 6.2 pence per mile now to 10 pence per mile.
(posted 04/07/2008)
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AfC pay scales 2008 
The Scottish circular approving the 2008 pay settlement has been published and may be downloaded here. Members may wish to contrast the 2.75% pay uplift (w.e.f. April 2008) with the current (May 2008) rate of inflation of 4.4% (RPI) or 3.3% if you prefer CPI.  However, essential goods such as gas and electricity are up by 12.3%, food by 7.8% and motoring costs by 4.9%, although clothing and footwear are cheaper by 3.5% and leisure goods are down in price by 2.3%.
(posted 02/07/2008)
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Trainee & Specialist BMS pay scales 2004-2008 
The Agenda for Change pay scales for trainee and specialist BMSs in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde may be downloaded here.  As previously announced,  in the two years prior to registration with the Health Professions Council, staff will be paid at 60% and then 65% of the top of Band 6, and then paid at 70% and 75% in the two years following registration.
(posted 02/07/2008)
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The state pension: then and now 
One hundred years ago
 - non-contributory
 - payable to men and women at age 70
 - 5 shillings (25p) per week (= 20-25% average earnings)
 - means-tested and based on character
2008
 - contributory
 - £90.70 week for a single person (=15% average earnings)
 - not means-tested
The National Insurance Fund currently has a surplus of £46,000,000,000 which is forecast to grow to £114,000,000,000 within four years. It could be used to pay today’s pensioners a higher pension, but is used by the Government to fund other expenditure
(posted 02/07/2008)
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Professional liability insurance 
The union has organised professional liability insurance for its healthcare professional membership.  The scheme provides £3,000,000 of cover for a premium of £15 per annum.  However, the policy is dependent on there being employer’s vicarious liability in place and many members will already have professional liability insurance as part of their membership of a professional body.
(posted 02/07/2008)
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Government imposes three-year pay deal for NHS in England 
The NHS Employers organisation in England has published what it is describing as a multi-year pay settlement for staff on Agenda for Change contracts.  Students of the English language will note the difference between an ‘agreement’ and a ‘settlement’.  The NHS Employers document can be downloaded here. This report should be read in conjunction with the Karen Reay’s report (underneath) and the fact that Unite is organising an NHS Day of Protest on 18th July against the pay ‘offer’ with the slogan ‘cut my pay - no way!’
The reaction of the the Scottish Government to this development is not known.
(posted 21/06/2008)
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Unite rejects three-year pay deal at Staff Side 
Report from Karen H Reay, Unite National Officer, Health
A draft Pay Circular and Statement was tabled at the Staff Side TU leads meeting on Friday 13 June. With a clear mandate from our membership, we reiterated Unite's position. Unite rejected the three year pay deal and the re opener clause which is flawed and not worth the paper it was written on. A number of small changes were made to the statement and Advance Letter, however they did not significantly alter the position and status of both. Closing date for comment was Tuesday17 June.
We have written to the Staff Side Secretary, making Unite's position clear, we could not agree to sign any document that was in contradiction to our members mandate.
Prior to the Health Sector committee meeting on 2 July 2008, there is a high possibility that the contents of the Pay Circular will be imposed .Should this be the case, we will write to the Secretary of State for Health, Alan Johnson, formally rejecting the three year pay settlement on behalf of our membership and clearly stating Unite the Union will be in dispute with the employer.
(posted 21/06/2008)
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Glasgow BMS trainee protocol 
It has been agreed that trainee BMS staff will be paid in accordance with Annex U of the Agenda for Change terms and conditions.  In the two years prior to registration with the Health Professions Council, staff will be paid at 60% and then 65% of the top of Band 6, and then paid at 70 % and 75% in the two years following registration.  Full details may be downloaded here
(posted 21/06/2008)
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Unite to ballot on NHS strike action 
The following press release was issued by the union today (Thursday 12th June):
Unite, the UK's largest trade union and third largest in the NHS, have overwhelmingly voted to reject the government's 7.99 per cent three-year pay deal and they have also voted for a ballot on industrial action.
94.8% of Unite's health sector workers - including health visitors, hospital pharmacists, health care chaplains and members in many other health care professions and support services voted to turn down the three year offer worth less than 8%
Unite Assistant General Secretary Gail Cartmail said: "This overwhelming vote sends a clear message. Our members are angry and frustrated that they are being asked by the government to accept this woefully inadequate three year pay deal.
"Unite members believe this pay deal is in effect a substantial pay cut when you take into account the inflationary trends in the economy, such as soaring petrol prices, increased mortgage payments and runaway utility costs. We believe years two and three especially are set at rock bottom levels taking into account forecasted rising inflation."
Unite believes that the Retail Price Index (RPI) is the appropriate measure of inflation, unlike the Consumer Price Index (CPI) which does not take into account the rises in house prices and it is against the RPI that this three year deal should be measured.
Unite is concerned that this current pay offer will damage NHS morale, recruitment and retention. Unite also reject the idea that public sector worker wages are the cause of inflation
Unite Health Sector National Officer Karen Reay said: "Our members in the health sector and right across public services are dedicated and hard working. Gordon Brown's government say it is listening and this unprecedented call for a ballot for strike action must be heard. Our members must not be forced to take the blame for inflation. Services will suffer and demoralisation will result in an inability to recruit and retain essential NHS staff."
Unite's 12,000 ancillary and ambulance staff also rejected the pay deal in a separate ballot last month.
(posted 12/06/2008)
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NHS Pay Latest
The NHS Employers website has the following statement:
"NHS Employers along with the Department of Health, UNISON and the RCN have developed proposals for a multi-year agreement for all NHS Agenda for Change staff for the three years 2008/9, 2009/10 and 2010/11.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and UNISON, alongside the Society of Radiographers and Managers in Partnership, have accepted the proposals. NHS Employers said it was encouraging that these unions have endorsed the agreement reached between union negotiators and NHS Employers. We believe this deal will provide stability which will benefit the NHS, its staff and patients. We will be talking to the unions and DH about issuing a pay circular in order to see the arrangements implemented as soon as is practical."
A meeting of the Staff Side of the NHS Staff Council is due to take place on Friday 13th June.  Branch members will note that the Management statement makes no mention of those unions that have voted to reject the offer including Unite (T&G section), GMB, CSP etc etc.  The result of the Unite (Amicus section) ballot is not yet known.
(posted 11/06/2008)
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Greater Glasgow & Clyde AfC update
Following the Group Representatives Committee meeting on  Thursday 5th, we took the opportunity to raise with the Chief Executive, the Finance Director and the HR Director the outstanding issues around the implementation of Agenda for Change in Greater Glasgow & Clyde.  As a result, the following position was reported to us on June 9:
1.  Assimilation.  33,000 completed.  3,500 to be done.  Weekly meetings of the Management Team to progress.  Staff were now being assigned grades, as suggested by ourselves.  Additional resources had been allocated to payroll and administration (2 to Jim Ito's team, plus 4 HR Advisors).
2.  Timetable.  All staff would be assimilated by July/August (including JAQs).  Possibility of a "wash up" in September.  Unqualified Bank Staff assimilated, qualified to be done (total of 7,000).  Leavers - 800 out of 1500 completed, no timetable for the rest.
3.  Reviews.  8,000 submitted, covering 3,000 posts.  Process starting with Facilities Directorate and proceeding in same order as assimilation.  Assessment of timeframe being carried out, announcement by end of June.  8 week limit for reviews challenging.  Request coming from Health Department to give priority to those on protection (to allow for implementation of Annex R).
4.  Anomaly Process.  Work done in Radiography, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy and Clinical Psychology.  Issues about Porters (differing bands between Glasgow and Clyde) and possibly also Domestics (results over 2 bands).
Report by Regional Officer Michael Fuller
(posted 11/06/2008)
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Unite to ballot on 3-year pay offer
Today (Thursday 29th May) the Unite NHS Committee met to evaluate reponses from the NHS Employers and the Secretary of State for Health Alan Johstone to the Committee's request to re-open negotiations on the offer agreed between the NHS Employers, the RCN and Unison.
The Committee were disappointed that both responses were unhelpful in that there was no offer to discuss or even meet with Unite on this matter.
There followed a very full and constructive discussion by the nationally elected lay delegates of the Committee on the way forward. In the end it was agreed to conduct a consultative balllot of the Unite NHS members with a recommendation to reject the three year deal.
The Committee also congratulated the Unite Pay Negotiating Team on its conduct during these talks and for keeping the Committee aware of all developments.
David Houliston
The union’s press release may be downloaded here.
(posted 29/05/2008)
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On-call protection extended
The NHS Staff Council Executive has reached agreement on the extension of the four year protection arrangements for pre-AfC on call agreements. Protection will continue until 31st March 2010 with the intention of implementing any new national agreement on 1st April 2010. Unite will ballot its NHS membership on any new proposed on call agreement.
(posted 29/05/2008)
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Branch library additions
The following booklets have been added to the Branch library:
State Benefits and Tax Credits (March 2008)
Safety, Health and Equality (February 2008)
Case Law at Work (January 2008)
Young Workers - a guide for union reps (December 2007)
Copies may be borrowed via your local senior rep (in case of difficulty, please contact the Branch Secretary).
The full list of titles available may be viewed here
(posted 27/05/2008, updated 29/05/2008)
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Unite recall meeting to discuss pay offer
At a meeting held on Tuesday 22nd April, the health sector national committee of Unite (amicus section) voted unanimously to reject the three-year pay offer made by the Government and instructed its negotiators to open negotiations with the NHS employers and the Government. The Unite statement can be downloaded here
A recall meting of the NHS National Committee will be held on 29th May to discuss the three year pay offer and the responses from the NHS employers and the Government to our rejection of the offer.
(posted 22/04/2008, updated 27/05/2008)
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New Southern not PFI
The new South Glasgow Hospital is to be built with funds provided by the Scottish Government and not as a Private Finance Initiative. A Scottish Government spokesperson said "In considering the options for funding this project, the Scottish Government has sought to ensure that the project is deliverable, affordable, sustainable and represents best value for money for the taxpayer.
Donald Sime, employee director of NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, said the fact that the hospital would be publicly funded was "terrific news for both patients and NHS staff". "Other funding routes could have meant NHS staff tendering for the opportunity to provide services such as catering, cleaning and other support services," he said. Donald Sime is chair of Glasgow Health Service Branch of Unite
(posted 22/04/2008)
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Government threat on pay offer
The head of the NHS in England, chief executive David Nicholson, has written a letter which states that ‘if the proposed [three year pay] agreement is not accepted by union members, the government reserves the right to review its response to the NHS pay review body recommendations and decide whether to accept, stage or abate them in the context of a one-year settlement." (download letter here)
Kevin Coyne, Unite head of health, condemned the statement saying "David Nicholson's letter is a clear threat to NHS staff to accept a below inflation three-year pay deal or face the consequences."
(posted 19/04/2008, updated 22/04/2008))
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Yet another pay cut?
In considering the 2.75% on offer for this year’s pay uplift, Branch members might like to consider the latest  inflation figures (February 2008):
RPI (the traditional measure) 4.1%
RPIX (basically RPI minus mortgage payments) 3.7%
CPI (the Government's preferred measure) 2.5%
For comparison, the last two years pay increases and RPI were:
2007 April RPI 4.5% Pay 2.5%
2006 April RPI 2.6% Pay 2.5%
(posted 11/04/2008)
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Anger at secret pay negotiations
Unions excluded from the secret negotiations between the Government and Unison and the RCN have issued a mildly worded press statement (download here) but behind the scenes there is no doubt that they are furious at what can be seen as a betrayal of both the principles of joint negotiations and the independence of the pay review body system.
(posted 11/04/2008)
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Three year pay offer
Following negotiations between the Government and the RCN and Unison, the following three-year pay deal is on offer:
2008/09     2.75%
2009/10      2.4%
2010/11     2.25%
The following changes will be implemented from the dates shown below:
2009/2010 (year 2)
Remove the bottom point of band 1 (point 1) from the pay scales. Move
the incremental date of all those on point 1 to 1st April from year 2.
Increase the top point of band 5 (point 25) by 0.33%
2010/11 (year 3)
Reduce the length of band 5 from nine to eight. Re-spread the remaining points across the band. Reset incremental date of staff on the removed point to 1 April from year 3 to prevent leapfrogging.
Increase the top point of band 5 (point 25) by 0.33% (repeat in year 4)
A flat rate pay increase of £420 for points 1-13 (equivalent to 2.25% at point 14)
The full details may be downloaded here
(posted 11/04/2008)
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Pay review body report
The long awaited report of the Pay Review Body for NHS staff covered by Agenda for Change has been published.  Contrary to the secret pay offer negotiated by Unison and the RCN, its main recommendations include a 2.75%pay uplift, but rule out a multi-year deal. The report also recommends a review of the current recruitment and retention provisions with particular reference to Pharmacists and maintenance craft workers.  The full report may be downloaded here (1.3MB)
(posted 11/04/2008)
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May Day Celebration
This year’s Glasgow May Day celebration takes place on Sunday 4th May, assembling in George Square at 11.00am and moving off to the Fruitmarket at Candleriggs at 11.30.
Unite (Amicus section) are hosting a pre-May Day Celebration in the union offices at Transport House, 290 Bath Street at 09.30am - all members welcome.
(posted 11/04/2008)
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Head of Health answers on unsocial hours
Kevin Coyne, Unite/amicus head of health, answered questions on the proposed out of hours agreement at the meeting of the Healthcare Scientist National Advisory Committee held on 30th January.
What is the position of local unsocial hour/oncall working agreements in Pathology?
These are all to be classified as on call and the status quo to remain until the A4C on call proposals have been negotiated after 1st April 2008

What is the position with regard to other groups of NHS staff who operate local on call agreements?
The status quo remains

What is the assimilation date mentioned in the current proposals for ballot?
October 2004

Has protection been extended for NHS staff who work local on call agreements?
There is an understanding that the negotiations on A4C on call will not be completed by October 2008 therefore an extension will be necessary to complete these

How long will this protection be?
Initially for 6 months whilst negotiations continue

How will these negotiations be conducted?
It is anticipated that a sub-committee of the Staff Council will be formed to review the possibilities

How will Amicus lay membership interface with these negotiations?
The Healthcare Scientists Advisory Committee has elected a group of BMSs and Pharmacist representatives for this function

How will the final proposals for A4C on call be agreed?
Amicus/Unite has already committed to ballot on all its NHS members on A4C matters. Other members of the Staff Side will consult with their own members in their usual way
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Consultation on out of hours proposals
The NHS Staff Council are consulting on the proposed changes to out of hours terms and conditions.  Unite members will be balloted in the near future, but should note that the current arrangement whereby staff have been able to retain for four years (from October 2004) their current on-call arrangements still stands.  All laboratory (called pathology) out of hours working provisions are deemed to be included in this protected arrangement.The review document may be downloaded here.
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Car parking charges
Following last month’s intervention by Nicola Sturgeon, Cabinet Secretary for Health, the Scottish Government has issued revised guidance on car parking charges at NHS Scotland hospitals (download pdf here).  Principles stated in the guidance include:
‘at most NHS sites car parking should be provided free of charge’;
 ‘Boards may make reasonable charges for car parking as part of a planned approach to facilitating access to sites and to cover the costs of car park provision’;
‘’Boards must take all reasonable steps to ensure that charges for people working at or visitng hospitals are not excessive’; and
‘The level of charge should also take account of the cost of car parking generally in the area.’
Nice to have that clarified.  Meantime, an interim maximum daily charge of £3 is to be implemented at all sites except PFI car parks
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2008 Meetings
The calendar of 2008 meetings for Glasgow Health Service Branch and for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Group Committee has been published.  The Branch dates may be viewed here and the Group here
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