§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if the pay increases for 1999–2000 agreed by Her Majesty's Government following the NHS Pay Review Bodies' recommendations were included in April salary payments to staff; and if he will make a statement. [83153]
§ Mr. McFallThe pay increases effective from 1 April 1999 in respect of hospital medical and dental staff employed in the Health and Personal Social Services and covered by the Pay Review Bodies were included in April salaries. However, the salary increases recommended by the Review Body for Nurses and Midwives and Professions Allied to Medicine and Related Grades of Staff who are employed by or in the Health and Personal Social Services in Northern Ireland were not.
322WStaff employed in the Health and Personal Social Services in Northern Ireland are not subject to the terms and conditions of service negotiated nationally. However, national terms and conditions are replicated, on a parity basis to apply to staff employed in the HPSS.
The recommendations of the Review Body on Doctors and Dentists' Remuneration were agreed with the professions locally and issued to employers on 15 March for implementation. The recommended increase was included in April salaries.
The national Whitley agreements in respect of Nurses and Midwives and Professions Allied to Medicine and Related Grades of Staff were not issued until 8 April 1999 which did not allow sufficient time for a parity agreement to be reached for similar staff employed in the HPSS. Parity agreements are being promulgated and will be issued as soon as possible.
The pay increases for Nurses and Midwives and PAMs staff will apply from 1 April and arrears will be paid where appropriate.