Stick with national pay for very senior managers, MiP tells review body

Tue 15 May 2012

Union gives oral evidence to the Senior Salaries Review Body

MiP today gave oral evidence on regional pay to the Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB). The union argued against local or regional pay. It said that the health service is a national service and operates within a national labour market, especially for very senior managers (VSMs). Employers could use existing pay flexibilities to address problems with recruitment and retention.

The SSRB, chaired by Bill Cockburn, has been asked by the Government to report - by mid July - on regional pay for VSMs in England's health arms length bodies, including the new NHS Commissioning Board. A new pay framework and job evaluation scheme has been developed for VSMs.

Evidence from the DH to the SSRB supported MiP's view.

MiP members have expressed support for national pay rates, supported by a nationally agreed job evaluation scheme, arguing national rates maintain fairness and equality.

Among the concerns of MiP members are that local pay would increase regional inequalities by tempting high-skilled staff away from more deprived areas, and would have a detrimental impact on local economies in poorer areas. Local pay would also be costly and complex to implement and there would be problems with boundaries. Many members see local pay as a cynical move to reduce pay rates in the NHS.

To see MiP's written evidence to the Pay Review Body click here

Members who would like to know more about the new VSM pay framework should contact Claire Pullar c.pullar@miphealth.org.uk