TRADE UNIONS RESPONSE TO HEALTH MINISTER’S ANNOUNCEMENT OF PLANS FOR SPECIAL RECOGNITION PAYMENT FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE STAFF

The Regional Health Trade Unions acknowledge the Health Minister's wish to recognise the fantastic role staff played and continue to play across the health family. They have been relentless in trying to ensure the population of Northern Ireland have received the best possible care under the worst of circumstances.  

Whilst we acknowledge this announcement and what it stands for in good faith, we also note the Minister’s commitment that this proposed payment will have no bearing on any pay deal for Agenda for Change (AfC) staff.  

Trade Unions caution that any such payments made to workers can impact detrimentally on workers’ entitlement to universal credits, family tax credits and any pension tiering. We note the Minister has taken steps to try to mitigate against any financial detriment. The full statement from Health Trade Unions can be viewed HERE.

Commenting on the Minister’s announcement, UNISON Head of Bargaining and Representation and Lead Joint Secretary for HSC Trade Unions Anne Speed said:  
‘‘The Minister’s wish to recognise the huge efforts that all health and social care workers have made is reflected in his decision to make this payment. It is important that he has made the commitment that this will have no bearing on any pay deal for Agenda for Change staff. 
It is also important that workers in independent health and social care providers will be included.  
We await further clarification from the Department of Health in relation to when and how these payments will be made.’’