§ Mr. PickthallTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will extend the guarantee of employment under Shifting the Balance of Power by a further 12 months for CHC staff; what his policy is on the terms of 'CHC Transition Issues: Human Resource Framework' issued by his Department in November 2001; and if he will make a statement on the TUPE rights of CHC staff. [84404]
§ Mr. LammyA 12-month guarantee of continued employment was given until 31 March 2003, for all staff, including Community Health Council staff, affected by Shifting the Balance of Power (StBOP) who were transferring to strategic health authorites (StHAs) on 1 April 2002. Over 20,000 staff were involved in StBOP reorganisation. Because of the numbers involved, a one years employment guarantee was given to enable a smooth transition. The 'CHC Transition Issues: Human Resource Framework was issued to cover only the transfer to the StHAs. It was not intended for any other purpose. We are currently working with the trade unions and other interested parties on a new human resources document to support CHC staff and managers affected by the abolition of CHCs.
The commission for patient and public involvement in health is a non-departmental public body and is not part of the National Health Service. Its role will be very different to those of CHCs. As a result, the Government has received legal advice that the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE) would not apply.
§ Mr. PickthallTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the abolition date is for community health councils. [84444]
§ Mr. LammyCommunity Health Councils (CHCs) will be abolished once the new arrangements for patient and public involvement are functioning. We will make an announcement as soon as a date is set.