NHS Laboratory Technicians

HC Deb 11 November 1999 vol 337 cc818-9W

Mr. Gareth R. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the career structure for laboratory technicians in the NHS. [97818]

Mr. Denham

On 15 February 1999, the Health Departments published proposals for modernising the National Health Service pay system in "Agenda for Change". Initial discussions with NHS trade unions on pay modernisation resulted in a Joint Framework of Principles and Agreed Statement on the Way Forward which was published on 8 October. Negotiations continue, aiming for a pay system which pays fairly for work done, with career progression based on responsibility, competence and satisfactory performance.