Agenda for Change Archive

Where we stand

If UNISON and Amicus members vote for 'Agenda For Change' (A4C) this summer, they will be voting to accept the largest shake-up that the NHS has seen since it was formed in 1947. So what will A4C mean for you? Click on Agenda For Change to find out more and access the latest information.

A4C poses problems for Trade Unionists and for Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS staff. On the one hand it is attractive to management, as it will help them to sort out the massive grading anomalies throughout the Trust. No wonder that they are pushing us to try to get all eligible staff assimilated by October 1st 2004. On the other hand, we know that many of our members are very vulnerable under A4C, Those who rely heavily on special duty payments such as night-workers or those who work a lot of weekends stand to lose out. Although there are significant protection arrangements, these are not the answer to everyone's problems. Staff who have worked hard over the years to gain recognition for the special nature of their post and have had their grade uplifted; usually with UNISON's help, may find that they are no longer regarded as a 'special case'.

The most worrying thing for trade unionists is that the implementation of A4C calls for a high degree of close co-operation between management and us. So far, we have witnessed little commitment by Trust management to working together. For instance, the Trust Training Policy was written in the dark by management without any staff-side input and posted up on the Trust intranet where it was spotted by Mike Holt, UNISON PAH's eagle-eyed Education Co-ordinator. The recent award of Improving Working Lives Practice Status surprised many Trust managers let alone trade unionists.

We are currently recruiting A4C Reps, undertaking training or doing the preparatory work in all the various sub-groups. There was much debate within the Branch about whether or not we should get involved in job-matching and evaluation before our rank and file members are balloted. Any job matching we get involved in will be done only on a provisional basis until the results of the UNISON and Amicus ballots are known late this summer.

So far, nine UNISON members have come forwards as A4C reps. They are all from the nursing and midwifery sector. We would like to recruit more, particularly from Admin & Clerical, Ancillary and Prof & Tech. Full training will be given and paid time-off will be given to those who come forward and are accepted.

When job evaluation commences, the chances are that it will be the nursing and midwifery sector who are matched first. This makes a lot of sense. Although numerically large, it is easier to identify posts and roles. It is anticipated that the single largest group of NHS staff, numerically speaking, are D and E grade nurses will move over onto Band 5.

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Job Descriptions

With 'Agenda For Change' looming, any updated job descriptions need to be written in such a way as to ensure that it will gain you the best advantage when slotting you in. Bearing in mind when updating your job description that points are awarded to jobs according to the following scheme - and points mean pounds - the more points the job has then the higher the pay band it goes into.

Your UNISON Stewards are currently receiving training in job description updating and unless you are very sure about what you want out of A4C, our advice is to leave well enough alone until you are able to get sound and informed advice.

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The Ballot

So should UNISON PAH members vote for or against A4C when they get their ballot forms? Our stance so far has been to provide our members with as much information as possible and let them make their own minds up. There is no doubt that Whitley is showing its age. It has stood us in good stead for many years but the cracks are showing. There is little in Whitley for the newer groups of staff such as support workers; particularly senior ones. Also, those who have witnessed the iniquitous Trust contracts being brought in, particularly at North Manchester General Hospital will welcome a return to nationally-agreed terms, conditions and pay-bargaining. But is A4C the one we want? This summer, unlike members of many other unions and organisations, you have the right to decide. Whichever way you vote, you will be helping to shape the NHS for years to come. Go to the meetings, read the literature, talk to colleagues and trade unionists before making your decision.