RCN comments on Agenda for Change negotiations

Published: 09 November 2012

The Royal College of Nursing today commented on the decision by the NHS Staff Council to consult on joint proposals to change Agenda for Change.

Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, said: “The Staff Council recognised that the proposals are the best that can be achieved through negotiation and the RCN has agreed to consult on these proposals.

“We continue to believe that Agenda for Change, allied to national pay rates, is a transparent and fair system that also has the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances. These proposals concern a number of areas including performance gateways at each increment point, and arrangements for unsocial hours payments when staff are on sick leave.”

Dr Carter said each of the unions representing NHS staff will now take the proposal to their governing bodies for approval, or otherwise. “The RCN will want to engage as many members as possible in the decision over how best to respond to these proposals.”