For the urgent attention of all nurses and HCAs at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

6 November 2012 Update:

Trust management are currently proceeding with group meetings. A link to the schedules for these meetings is here.

The RCN has arranged for an RCN Officer or representative to be present at all of these meetings, to ensure that your best interests are properly supported.

One of the following RCN Officers or representatives will be present at each of the meetings:

The RCN Officer or representative should identify themself at the beginning of the meeting, and you should feel free to ask them any questions or clarifications direct, at this point, or any other point thereafter. If you are unclear as to who is representing you from the RCN at the meeting you are attending, please ask at the beginning of the meeting.

The RCN Northern Region advice remains that you do not sign this new contract, because we believe that the Trust’s proposals may be unlawful. However, if you require specific advice regarding your own circumstances, please contact RCN Direct on (0345) 772 6100.

25 October 2012 Update:

The Joint Health Trade Unions are today organising a lunch time protest from 1-3pm, on vacant land opposite the main entrance to the Stockton site. The protest is designed to coincide with the meeting of the Trust Board, who will be discussing the proposals.

It is anticipated that local media will be in attendance. If you are approached by local media, please ensure that you immediately contact a local RCN Officer before agreeing to give an interview, so that we can ensure that you are properly supported. RCN Officers will be at the event. We have also prepared a briefing note of frequently asked questions, to help you in this regard.

 
Dear RCN member:
 
Please share with colleagues, regardless of whether they are RCN members.
 
If you are a nurse or a health care assistant and not currently a member of the RCN, it is vitally important that you join a trade union as we can only represent you if you are a member. You can join the RCN here: www.rcn.org.uk/join
 
Please also make sure that if you are a member, that your email contact details are up to date, as we will be using this method to communicate with you: www.rcn.org.uk/myrcn
 
You will be aware that North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust are proposing to abandon national Agenda for Change (AfC) terms and conditions, and introduce a new, localised policy, in relation to sickness pay.
 
The RCN Northern Region is strongly recommending that you do not sign this new contract, because we believe that the Trust’s proposals may be unlawful. However, if you require specific advice regarding your own circumstances, please contact RCN Direct on (0345) 772 6100.

It is worth bearing in mind that the RCN has successfully challenged similar policies, for example, at the 2012 Manchester Employment Tribunal. For more information about this, click here: http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_wins_vital_test_case_over_pay
 
If your manager tries to pressure you into signing a new contract, please contact us immediately for advice and support.
 
Our national negotiating team are already discussing national AfC terms and conditions with the Government, and until these negotiations have completed, it is premature for the Trust to be engaging in this sort of local move.
 
 
 
Glenn Turp
Regional Director
Royal College of Nursing
 
Are you a health care assistant or a nurse? Protect yourself. Join the RCN today: go to www.rcn.org.uk/join