Care Plus Group

On 9 April 2013, staff employed by the Care Plus Group received correspondence from the organisation's Chief Operating Officer regarding proposals to change their terms and conditions of employment with the threat of dismissing and re-engaging staff on new terms of employment. The RCN is very concerned by this new development and the tactic adopted by the employers.   
 
Consequently, the RCN strongly recommends that members do not sign up to the employer's proposals to make significant and detrimental changes to their terms and conditions. The changes include:- a reduction of overtime rates, on-call and un-social hours payments; changes to travel expenses and mileage rates; and a reduction to sick pay and sickness absence payments. The Care Plus Group is also proposing to limit redundancy pay for staff to £30k. We consider these changes as totally unacceptable.

RCN opposes proposals to change terms and conditions 

The RCN continues to strenuously oppose these proposals and is currently seeking urgent legal advice. The RCN believes that the process used by the employers to change staff terms and conditions of employment may be unlawful. Consequently, we are currently seeking urgent legal advice from our lawyers and an update will sent out to members shortly. 

Bullying and harrassment

Staff must not be bullied or harrassed into accepting these proposals. If members feel that they are are under pressure in any way from their manager, then they should contact the RCN's local representatives immediately. We will take this very seriously.

Next steps

Along with the other trade unions, the RCN is due to meet with the employers shortly. In the mean time, arrangements are being made for an urgent joint trade union meeting at the end of April to update members. Further details will be circulated as soon as possible.

Briefing meeting for RCN and trade union members

The RCN and joint trade unions will be holding a special briefing meeting on Tuesday 30 April 2013 at 5pm at Cue World, Bridge House, Victoria Street, Grimsby, DN31 1NH.  More details will be circulated shortly.  All RCN members employed by the Care Plus Group are strongly urged to attend.

For more information and advice

If you would like more information on the proposals or need support, then please contact your local RCN representatives, Julie Bee, email j.bee@nhs.net or Alison Harvey, email alison.harvey4@nhs.net.
 
Alternatively, contact the regional office in Leeds and mark your email for the attention of RCN Officer, Sharon Benstead, email yorkshire&humber@rcn.org.uk
 
RCN members can also get in touch via RCN Direct, our seven days a week, 365 days a year advice line which can be reached on 0345 772 6100 (between 08.30am and 8.30pm).