NEWS - Unions work together to resist attacks on AfC

New joint NHS trade unions guidance has been published to help RCN activists resist local proposals to cut NHS pay, terms and conditions. 

Staff in some foundation trusts in England are facing what appears to be a co-ordinated attempt to make changes to Agenda for Change (AfC) contracts, including threats to dismiss and re-engage staff on new terms and conditions if the unions do not agree to negotiate. 

Josie Irwin, RCN Head of Employment Relations, said: “All trade unions recognise that the NHS is going through an unprecedented period of change and austerity and that difficult choices have to be made.  But attacks on terms and conditions lead to poor staff morale and ultimately, this can impact on the quality of patient care.”

Read Guidance to Assist Local Staff Sides Facing Proposals to Change Pay Terms and Conditions (PDF 616KB) [see how to access PDF files].