Unions were today invited to join formal pay talks with the government.
Health unions are taking time to “consider” if to join formal talks over NHS pay with the government.
Unions representing nearly a million NHS workers today confirmed today that they have received a formal invitation to take part in pay negotiations.
However, the NHS staff council, which includes Unison, GMB and Unite, claims they need time to discuss the offer and “clarify” the remit of discussions.
The unions are reportedly unhappy that unilateral talks are already underway with the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) after the union announced all-out strike action last month.
Planned talks would cover the pay of NHS workers in England and are being led by Health Secretary Steve Barclay.
A positive move.
Chair of the union group on the NHS staff council and UNISON head of health Sara Gorton explained, “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.”
NHS Employers say they welcome the offer of negotiations and hope unions will join the table.
Chief executive Danny Mortimer added: “This offer of substantive talks with the NHS Staff Council, which brings together trade unions and employers, and which has overseen the national contract for all non-medical staff in the NHS for the last 20 years, is very positive.
“I am hopeful that trade union colleagues are able to respond to this meaningful offer of talks with the government and we look forward to working with all parties to find a constructive way forward from this dispute and its impact on NHS teams, services and patients”.
