HC Deb 16 December 1988 vol 143 c746W
Rev. Martin Smyth

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the effect of the new grading structure on health visitors in Northern Ireland and upon individual health visitors.

Mr. Needham

As a result of the clinical grading review, 98.9 per cent. of health visitors in Northern Ireland were placed on scale G and are now on salary scales 13.7 per cent. to 19.1 per cent. higher than those applying prior to the review. 1.1 per cent. of health visitors were placed on scale H are are now on salaries 25.3 per cent. to 33.2 per cent. higher than before.

Rev. Martin Smyth

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the guidance issued to health boards by his Department as to how they should determine gradings for health visitors and any further advice he has issued.

Mr. Needham

Guidance on the grading of health visitors is contained within the management guidance issued to health and social services boards in the departmental circular HSS(TC5)3/88, copies of which are available in the Library. No other advice relating specifically to the grading of health visitors has been issued.