Health unions to consider invite from government to enter formal pay talks through NHS staff council

Commenting on the invitation received today (Thursday) from the government for health unions to attend formal pay talks, chair of the union group on the NHS staff council and UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said: 

“Health unions will need to clarify the basis upon which talks can get underway through the NHS staff council.  

“This includes understanding the status of the unilateral talks that have taken place with the Royal College of Nursing.” 

Secretary of the NHS group of unions and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy assistant director of employment relations Elaine Sparkes said: “Once the picture becomes clearer, the unions will decide what to do next.”