The unions intervened after SBS circulated new advice to employers which appeared to suggest that nursing staff working for CCGs were no longer eligible for special class status in any circumstances. Both MiP and the Royal College of Nursing have received a number of complaints from members whose employers have attempted to remove their special class status in recent months.
Under the existing policy, CCG staff whose job required the qualifications and experience of a nurse, midwife or physiotherapist could retain special class status even when working in a largely management role.
The unions have now received written clarification from the BSA that the policy has not changed: “For clarity, CCGs can decide for themselves whether a member retains special class status up to director of nursing level… and nothing about the criteria has changed.”
The BSA said its advice to CCGs had been intended to avoid the situation where members moving into posts which don’t attract special class status didn’t find out about the change until retirement.
Special class status applies to qualified nurses, midwives and physiotherapists who joined the pension scheme before April 1995, and allows them to retire at 55 with full benefits providing they worked in posts attracting special class status for five years before retirement.
If you think your special class status has been removed unfairly, contact your MiP national officer.
If you’d like to read more from MiP, sign up to receive our free monthly emails – we’ll keep you up to date on news and events in health and care management
MiP has produced a briefing to update our members in Wales on progress in key areas, as we continue our joint working dialogue with NHS Wales
The MiP head office in London has temporarily closed due to the Covid-19 containment procedures. But you can still get support from the MiP team.
Are you looking for an exciting new career or a new challenge? Do you possess the qualities of a leader and are you passionate about driving forward change in a people-centred environment? If so, please read on…
NHS England and NHS Improvement published their consultation document on the effective merger of the two organisations on 16 July. Here’s MiP’s response and advice to members who may be affected by the re-organisation.
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.
