Hunt comments on NHS pay are ‘unhelpful’, says CSP

The CSP has joined health unions in expressing concern over comments by the health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, about ongoing pay negotiations.

Heath secretary Jeremy Hunt suggested in an interview with the HSJ that NHS pay could move towards a more ‘professional pay structure’, potentially affecting incremental pay increases and payment received by staff for working weekends and nightshifts.

Commenting on the story, Claire Sullivan, director of employment relations and union services said:

‘The CSP is currently involved in discussions which include looking at the removal of some of the overlap in increments in pay grades and also, in light of the recent budget announcement, about delivering a decent pay rise next year for our members.

‘We do not accept that increments are ‘time served’ and we do not accept that staff should somehow pay for their own pay increase.

‘The Secretary of State’s comments are unhelpful and it would be preferable if he left discussions to unions and employers.’

 Read the HSJ story here and the coverage in the Guardian here.

Note to editors

For further media information about the CSP please call the CSP press office on 020 7306 1111 or email pressoffice@csp.org.uk. Out of hours please call Jon Ryan, head of press and PR on 07917 091 200.

1. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is the UK’s professional, educational and trade union body. We have more than 57,000 members, including chartered physiotherapists, physiotherapy students and support workers.

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