It has been questioned how independent the pay review body really is.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is to withdraw from the “independent” NHS Pay Review Body (NHSPRB) process.
At the union’s annual Congress members have decided they no longer want to participate in the NHSPRB process and would rather negotiate pay directly with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
The resolution was presented by former RCN Council member Geoff Earl and trade union committee member Liz Jeremiah who called upon the union to withdraw from the controversial process.
Under the current system, evidence is submitted by unions and the government to the NHSPRB who review this and make a recommendation on NHS pay.
Members argued during the debate how independent the body truly is given they are appointed by ministers and the government.
Independent?
The resolution explained, “The NHS PRB has eight members. The Chair is appointed by the Prime Minister, while the other members are appointed by the Secretary of State.
“PRB members have a range of backgrounds and expertise including people resourcing, remuneration experts, economists and former trade unionists.”
NHS workers in Scotland already negotiate directly with Ministers and have not submitted evidence to the body since 2021.
The resolution was passed, meaning the union must now withdraw from the process.
It means the union will be able to sit at the table with representatives from the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) to discuss pay and other workforce issues.
Earlier this year the union pushed for a dedicated nursing payscale to better recognise the profession.
