Jury still out over health service pay

The jury is still out on the far-reaching "Agenda for Change" pay proposals, which were announced in December. A number of unions in the sector have decided to recommend acceptance but others, including public services union UNISON have yet to decide.

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Midwives have all agreed to recommend the package in membership ballots.

Sarah Lawrence, chair of the CSP's industrial relations committee, told Labour Research that the initial feedback was relatively positive, although there had been disappointment at the immediate pay rise: "Members were anticipating more, but are pleased with the long-term career progression."

"Agenda for Change" proposes two new pay spines, an expanded role for the review body for nurses, midwives, health visitors and professions allied to medicine and a new job evaluation scheme.

Although the package is more than just a pay settlement, it does propose a three-year pay deal with rises of 3.225% this year and in 2004 and 2005.

The Health Service Group Executive of the biggest health union UNISON meets on 7 March to decide whether or not to make a recommendation. It will also be debated at its health conference on 8 April, with a ballot of members expected later that month.

A ballot of Amicus MSF members is not expected to close until 28 April.

Consequently, it will be some time before the overall decision on the package (including backdated April 2003 pay rises) is known.