Trade unions representing NI health workers have welcomed a formal commitment from the Health Minister that pay parity for AFC bands will be maintained for the full 2024/25 year.
It means that health workers will receive 10 months worth of retrospective pay in their March 2025 pay packets, with the unions saying that there are plans to secure funding for the remaining two months. A Pay Review Body pay award of 5.5% is also being prepared.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “The proposed enhanced offers I made last week will mirror the value of the increases in England, albeit in two tranches due to ongoing pressures on my Department’s budget.
Read more: Re-opening ED at Co Down hospital would "add to patient risk", health chief says
“I was extremely keen that health workers would not have to go through Christmas thinking they might need to take industrial action to get their pay awards. Like the unions, I am disappointed we couldn’t get to this point in a quicker, cleaner manner.
“I regret that this year’s pay process has been so elongated and complicated. I am determined to avoid a repetition of this situation in future years.
“I believe a pay settlement is good news for health staff, good news for patients and good news for all those who care about our health service. Winter pressures are escalating once again and I owed it to staff to do all in my power to get a decent deal over the line.”
Unions have said that they will continue to work with the Health Minister in the new year in order to ensure that he delivers on his commitments.
A spokesperson said: "Health Trade Unions have received formal commitment from the Minister and in a Department of Health memorandum that pay parity in AFC pay bands will be maintained for the full year 2024/2025. Implementation of the Pay Review Body Pay award of 5.5% will now be prepared.
"The Minister has advised that he will immediately provide funding for the cost of 10 months and has plans to secure funding for the balance of 2 months in the January monitoring round. During a series of meetings unions were provided details of the intense pressures on the Northern Ireland Executive budget.
"In practical terms health workers can now expect at least 10 months retrospective pay on their March 2025 pay dates. Health Unions will remain engaged and focused early in the New Year on full delivery of the Ministers commitments."
Sinn Féin health spokesperson MLA Liz Kimmins has welcomed an agreement on fair pay for health workers.
She said: “I welcome today’s agreement on fair pay for health workers between the health minister and trade unions.
“These workers are the backbone of our health and social care system and it is absolutely right that they have good pay and safe working conditions. Sinn Féin will continue to make the case for fair pay deals for public sector workers.”
Click this link or scan the QR code to receive breaking news and top stories from Belfast Live. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here
English (United States) ·