Responding to NHS England’s announcement that it plans to reduce its headcount by a further 15% following its previous restructure, Jon Restell Chief Executive of MiP said:
“MiP and trade union colleagues were not consulted about this decision. It was not a decision reached after meaningful partnership-working nor is it something we support or endorse.
“Without meaningful engagement with staff and their unions this announcement will cause significant uncertainty and disruption. We had hoped NHS England would have learned the lessons of the previous change programme when unions were only engaged after the fact. It seems they have not.
“NHS organisations, just like organisations in other sectors, cannot be productive when in a constant state of change. The Chief Executive was at pains to say that this process will not require another full reorganisation. Sadly, this will ring hollow to staff who have barely recovered from the disastrous process to create the new NHS England.
“The employer has indicated it plans to achieve the reduction primarily through removing existing vacancies and the permanent removal of frozen posts. We are seeking further clarity here on the numbers involved and assurances that as many existing jobs in the system as possible will be saved.
“While limiting existing job losses is the right priority, it is important to consider the impact that removing roles will have on function and workload of staff. Cutting jobs does not cut the needs of the organisation and we know that staff who remained following the last merger are now being asked to do more with less. This approach is unsustainable.
“NHS England plays a vital role supporting the delivery of healthcare services. To have already lost a significant amount of talent and skills in the past two years, further losses may have dire consequences for the health service as a whole and risks undermining the implementation of the 10 Year Plan.
“We understand and share members’ anger and concerns surrounding this announcement. MiP workplace reps in NHS England will be available to support members throughout this process.
“MiP will also be raising concerns directly with NHS England leadership. We are committed to working with the employer in partnership, as you would expect, and we will represent members’ interests robustly, as you would also expect. We are urgently seeking more detail on this announcement.
“Specific questions for the employer are:
“We will share more information with our members in NHS England as soon as we learn more from the employer. In the meantime, MiP will be hosting member drop-in sessions with workplace reps and other events as this progresses. More details will be shared soon.”
MiP’s annual event for workplace representatives, Reps Day, returns to Birmingham on 17-18 November. It’s an opportunity to meet fellow reps from across the country for a day of learning, networking and policy discussion.
MiP says regulation alone will not improve the NHS culture around raising and acting on concerns, following the findings of the Thirlwall Inquiry into the Lucy Letby case.
TUC Congress has backed a motion calling for an evidence-based and fully resourced plan for NHS management, with unions warning that cutting management capacity risks shifting essential work onto clinical teams.
Managers in Partnership is the only dedicated union to managers working in healthcare. We understand the value you add to healthcare services. We will always support you and champion your work. Sign up today and stand alongside thousands of your peers.
