Job loss fears despite pay freeze

22 December 2010

NHS staff face potential job cuts despite a two-year pay freeze for staff earning more than £21,000.

NHS Employers issued the warning in its submission to the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body. The DDRB is considering the government’s request for a minimum £250 pay rise for 2011-2012 for staff earning £21,000 or less. In its submission, NHS Employers reported feedback from 250 organisations indicating they are struggling to protect jobs and meet targets under the £20billion efficiency savings programme.

“Employers have told us that the pay freeze will not be sufficient to restrain growth of the pay bill and employers’ costs, and that further reductions in national pay and conditions are required to protect jobs,” it says.

BMA Council chairman Dr Hamish Meldrum has condemned the news. He said: “Hammering the pay of healthcare staff still further should not be the first – and indeed, at the moment, the only – response to finding a way out of this mess. The so-called guarantees that are being offered in return for a freeze on contractual increments appear to be very limited and will be left to local agreement.

“Doctors, like other healthcare staff, have already had a two-year pay freeze – a real-terms pay cut. We understand the financial difficulties facing the country and want to play our part in minimising the impact on patients.

“We will consider the details of the NHS Employers’ proposal but are extremely concerned that it seems hitting staff pay yet further is the only offer on the table.”