Pay offer to nurses and midwives

The States Employment Board (SEB) has made a revised pay offer to nurses and midwives for the period 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2014. The proposed consolidated pay awards are: 1% from 1 January 2012; 4% from 1 January 2013; 4% from 1 January 2014, in return for agreeing to jointly develop a new pay structure.

 

In making this offer, the SEB recognises a long-standing lack of parity between what nurses and midwives are paid in comparison to other non-medical Health and Social Services staff. Through a process of close and cooperative working, SEB and trade union representatives have been able to reach an offer that takes into account the needs of all parties.

 

The revised offer is being jointly commended to staff by the SEB and the three unions representing nurses and midwives. It follows more than a year of negotiations between the parties culminating in a meeting held last month with the Jersey Advisory and Conciliation Services (JACS).

 

Speaking on behalf of the SEB, Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst, said “It is essential that we support changes agreed in the Health white paper with a view to achieving the improved patient care that we are all committed to. It is in pursuit of this goal that we have worked closely with trade union partners to close the pay gap that exists in nursing and midwifery on the Island. In doing this, I am satisfied that we have reached the best offer that can be achieved during this pay round.”

 

Health and Social Services Minister, Deputy Anne Pryke, added “I look forward to seeing this same spirit of partnership continue in the development of a new pay structure for Health and Social Services staff. We are committed to closing the pay gap for nurses and midwives, and would hope to do so within the lifetime of the next Medium term Financial Plan.”