Royal College Of Midwives To Consider New Pay Offer, UK

Main Category: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 07 Aug 2007 - 2:00 PDT

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The Royal College of Midwives which represents over 95% of the UK's practising midwives is set to consider an improved NHS pay offer. The new package gives assistance to Midwives in England - who have seen the value of the original award reduced by approximately 110 pounds following the government's decision to stage its implementation - by offering a 38 pounds contribution towards professional fees for 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

There is also a commitment to review future pay and conditions.

Dame Karlene Davis, General Secretary, said: "Pay negotiations this year have been soured by the government's refusal to fully implement the original offer made by the independent Nursing and Other Health Professionals Review Body. Both the level of the award and the manner of its implementation led to the RCM calling for industrial action short of a strike for the first time in its history. This has led to months of long and tough negotiations, in England, outside of the traditional process.

"The package on offer is a complex one and will mean different things to different NHS staff depending on where they live and it is still a below inflation deal for most . However we recognise that it is the best offer we are likely to achieve via negotiations and RCM council and officers will be considering it carefully over the next few days. We will also consider how to consult with our members over whether they wish to accept it."

Details of the offer include:

From 1st November, extra money for the lowest paid. £400 flat rate increase for those on Bands 1 and 2. Those on Bands 3 and 4 will receive an additional £38 as well as the 2.5%. This will be payable in all 4 UK countries.

In England only, there will be additional money for staff training targeted directly on those non-clinical staff who often lose out when training budgets are cut.

Also in England only, there will be £38 paid to staff on Bands 5, 6, 7 and 8(a) who are required to register to practice. This money is a contribution to their professional fees and represents 50% of the current NMC registration fees.

Future years

In addition to the improved pay offer for this year, unions, employers and governments have agreed to enter into talks prior to the next pay round, to consider a multi-year deal including changes to the Agenda for Change pay structure and its terms and conditions.

1. The 2.5% pay award will be paid in full in Scotland, Wales and NI from 1st April but staged in England. All four countries would receive the extra money on Bands 1- 4 on 1st November 2007.

2. Royal College of Midwives (RCM) aims to promote and advance the profession of the midwife. The RCM represents over 95% of the UK's midwives and is one of the world's oldest and one of the largest midwifery organisations, celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2006. It is also a trade union.

http://www.midwives.co.uk/