The CSP in Northern Ireland has called on the executive to end the pay cap, which means many of the country’s healthcare staff are the lowest paid in the UK.
Claire Ronald: The Westminster government is trying to kill the NHS
Claire Ronald, the senior negotiating officer for the CSP in Northern Ireland told the Irish Congress of Trade Unions in Belfast on 4 July: ‘The Northern Ireland executive needs to consider carefully whether the current level of pay is sufficient to ensure an adequate supply of safe and qualified healthcare staff.’
Earlier this year the executive ignored recommendations by the pay review body, leaving pay rates trailing behind Scotland, Wales and England.
There is, for example, a 2.4 per cent pay gap between Scotland and Northern Ireland staff at the bottom increment of band 5. In April 2016 it was £21,693 in Northern Ireland, compared to £22,218 in Scotland.
Ms Ronald told the conference that the pay cap was ‘insulting’ and that new pension arrangements added to the problem.
‘Since many staff are now on the new pension scheme, a career average re-evaluated earnings scheme, not only is their pay the lowest of healthcare staff in the UK but their pensions are also affected.
‘Ministerial decisions are affecting not only the here and now, but also the future for many of our staff.’
During the event, a CSP motion calling for the executive to address the pay differential was passed.
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