NHS PAY 2011/12
We have sought and obtained clarification from the Department of Health yesterday on a range of issues concerning next years pay.
1. The government’s announcement on a public sector pay freeze in the emergency budget does not extend to increments. The Treasury in a note of clarification to all departments has said that ‘those staff who are entitled to pay progression will continue to receive it.’
2. There is confusion as to the position of those who earn less than £21,000 p.a.
The Chancellor in his budget statement said:
“Today, because we have had to ask for a two year freeze, I extend the protection to cover the 1.7 million public servants who earn less than £21,000.
Together they make up 28 per cent of the public sector workforce. They will each receive a flat pay rise worth £250 in both these years, so that those on the very lowest salaries will get a proportionately larger rise."
The Treasury’s Budget Red Books says: “The Government announces a two-year pay freeze for public sector workforces, except for workers earning less than £21,000 a year who will receive an increase of at least £250 per year in these years.”
We have sought clarification as to whether government policy is for a flat rate or a minimum £250 pay rise. The DH has confirmed that the Chancellors statement was ‘an error’ and that the statement in the Red Book that it is ‘at least £250’ is the policy.
This of course impacts on the role of the NHS Pay Review Body over the next two years. It is now likely that it will continue to receive evidence. We expect an announcement on this next week.
We will put this information in a branch circular next week but as w are receiving many enquiries about pay it would be helpful if you could cascade this information quickly.
Last Updated: June 25, 2010
