Professions Supplementary to Medicine

HC Deb 28 October 1982 vol 29 cc532-3W

Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage increases in salary are currently on offer to each profession registered with the council for professions supplementary to medicine.

Mr. John McKay

The alternative two-year packages offered on 16 September by the Government, but rejected by the TUC-affiliated unions, included the following increases for professions supplementary to medicine:

Option A
	per cent.
State 1—From 1 April 1982
(a)Chiropodists, dietitians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, radiographers, remedial gymnasts, orthoptists.	6.5
(b)Medical laboratory scientific officers.	5
Stage 2—From 20 January 1983
A further 5 per cent. for all staff
Option B
Stage 1—From 1 June 1982
(a)Chiropodists, dietitians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, radiographers, remedial gymnasts, orthopists.	7.5
(b)Medical laboratory scientific officers.	6
Stage 2—From 3 January 1983
A further 4 per cent. for all staff.

Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why medical laboratory scientific officers have not been offered the same increase in salary as other professions registered with the council for professions supplementary to medicine in the current salary negotiations.

Mr. John MacKay

The Government decided to make extra resources available for settlements for staff engaged in the direct care of patients, recognising the special need to encourage recruitment and retention of such staff. Those concerned are nurses and midwives and the professions supplementary to medicine with a close affinity to nursing and traditional pay links with nurses. Medical laboratory scientific officers have different working relationships and different pay links.