North West
Welcome
From the South Lakes to South Cheshire, and from Chester to the Pennines, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in the North West represents almost 50,000 members, making us the third largest region of the RCN in terms of membership numbers.
Our world is constantly changing. Health care delivery in the UK is undergoing massive reorganisation, and even within the RCN we are facing the challenge of change, as we seek to revitalise our branches and to integrate our activities as a professional trade union.
Against this background it is important we are open and transparent about what we are doing for members; and members can play an active part in influencing those changes that affect them.
That's why this website is key in communicating with members and the public. You can find all you need to know about the RCN team in the regional office in Bolton, as well as your regional board and your local RCN branch. You'll also find up to date local and regional news, information about events, as well as matters of interest to you as both a professional and employee.
RCN leads Agenda for Change tribunal test case in Manchester
The RCN is leading an important test case at an employment tribunal which could have major implications for employers who try to move away from Agenda for Change (AfC) terms and conditions in the NHS.
The RCN and other trade unions are challenging a decision by Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CMFT) to withhold incremental pay rises for some staff on the basis of their sick records. AfC provides a contractual entitlement for staff to receive a certain number of pay increments in each band as they gain greater competance and experience. The trust withheld increments from staff who reasons for taking sick leave included recovering after being assaulted by a patient and recovering from major surgery. Under AfC, increments can be withheld but only in certain strictly defined circumstances. The RCN believes these circumstances do not include sickness absence, which is why the RCN is supporting the case.
The case will be heard at the Manchester Employment Tribunal from Monday 23 January 2012, and is expected to last up to a week.
Contact us
RCN North West is committed to providing members with a first class service as we seek to deliver the RCN's mission of 'representing nurses and nursing, promoting excellence in practice and shaping health policy'.
I trust you find the North West section useful. And don't forget to let us have your views about our service by emailing our office on: northwest.region@rcn.org.uk.
Steve Flanagan
North West Regional Director