Mr. Jim. CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of the effects of Agenda for Change on speech therapists; [154620]
(2) what research his Department has commissioned into the effects on recruitment and retention of speech therapists of the implications of Agenda for Change for pay levels of speech therapists. [154621]
§ Mr. HuttonOn average national health service staff will receive a 5.9 per cent., increase in basic pay over time as a result of Agenda for Change (in addition to annual pay uplifts) though this will vary for different staff groups and individuals.
The impact of Agenda for Change for all staff groups, including speech and language therapists, is currently being tested in a range of early implementer sites. The evidence and learning from these sites will be reviewed by the UK Health Departments, NHS trades unions and NHS employer representatives before the planned national roll out in October 2004.