New survey: RCN reps set to defend AfC in England

Published: 22 June 2012

RCN representatives in England are being asked to complete an important survey about proposals by NHS employers in England to make changes to the Agenda for Change contract.

Employers want the NHS Staff Side to agree to changes to Agenda for Change that give local employers in England more flexibility on issues including pay progression and sickness absence pay.

They say the changes they propose would help ensure trusts stick with the Agenda for Change arrangements. However, the RCN is already seeing local employers join forces to erode terms and conditions and cut pay.

In an email to representatives Josie Irwin, RCN Head of Employment Relations, said the results of the survey will help the NHS Staff Side decide how to respond. “After long negotiations with NHS employers, the national Staff Side now needs to find out what local reps think. We urgently need your thoughts on the proposals.”