Securing fair NHS terms and conditions

Our first priority has been to secure members’ income during any absence related to COVID-19.

Due to the nature of the crisis and its fast-moving pace, it’s not possible to conduct the full negotiations that would normally take place through the national NHS Staff Council.

However, the RCN and other health trade unions have worked together to influence and secure improved terms and conditions for all NHS staff, including bank staff, during the pandemic. This includes full pay during COVID-19-related absences including when staff need to self-isolate or shield themselves in line with government guidance.

The improved terms mean that all NHS staff in the UK are entitled to full pay for all periods of COVID-19 related sick leave, regardless of their length of service or the length of absence. Importantly, sickness absences related to COVID-19 will also not trigger absence management processes.

These changes are crucial because they alleviate the pressure members who are shielding, self-isolating or who have contracted the disease, may feel to return to work before they should.

We’re now looking to secure this type of financial security for nursing staff working outside the NHS, including those in GP practices and social care.

We’re very clear that all staff should be fully and fairly paid for every extra hour worked during the pandemic. This is something we’ve made sure is emphasised in the joint union blueprint for reopening NHS services.

These guidelines outline the steps the governments should follow to ensure the NHS can continue to operate a safety-first approach as lockdown restrictions ease and more clinical services are resumed. A key part of this is prioritising staff wellbeing and making sure support is available to those who need it.

There is no question that nursing staff have gone above and beyond during this pandemic, working under increased pressure and risk to provide the best care possible to patients and demonstrating their steadfast professionalism.

As we prepare to enter the next pay round later this year, we will continue to make it clear that any talk of pay freezes is unacceptable and that now is the time to recognise the true value of nursing staff. Find out more about our Fair Pay for Nursing campaign and how you can get involved.