Healthcare workers in hospital A&E departments across Huddersfield and Halifax who have performed duties above their pay grade for years will receive thousands of pounds in back pay, UNISON says today (Wednesday).
Many of the healthcare assistants working in A&E at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust have been on band 2 of the national Agenda for Change pay scale, but have undertaken clinical duties falling under band 3 for several years, says the union.
UNISON’s national Pay Fair for Patient Care campaign is pushing for all band 2 staff with increased responsibilities to be paid at the correct rate for the job they are doing. In addition, they should be compensated for the work they’ve already done at band 3.
The deal reached with the trust means more than 50 A&E staff across Calderdale and Kirklees will be moved to the higher band, as well as receiving around £3,000 in back pay.
Managers at Calderdale and Huddersfield have also agreed to enter negotiations with UNISON aimed at rebanding healthcare assistants in other departments in the new year.
UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional organiser Gary Cleaver said: “This is fantastic news for workers who go above and beyond to keep the NHS running, but it’s long overdue.
“Finally, staff will be properly recognised for the work they do, and paid accordingly.
“This is just the first step in Calderdale and Huddersfield. It’s promising the trust has agreed to negotiations for healthcare assistants in other departments.
“UNISON will do everything possible to make sure those workers get the pay and respect they deserve.”
