Rt Hon Andrew Lansley CBE MP
Secretary of State for Health
Richmond House
79 Whitehall
London SW1A 2NS
17th August 2012
Dear Andrew,
I am writing on behalf of constituents to share concern over the Government’s proposed measures to introduce regional pay scales for NHS staff.
These plans could prove detrimental for communities across the UK; increasing regional inequality, creating a two tier NHS system, and undermining the Government’s commitment to provide good health care for all.
In Brighton and Hove, NHS staff have already had their recruitment and retention pay - originally awarded because it is expensive to live in the city, yet workers are not eligible for London weighting - cancelled, whilst the same changes have not apparently been enforced in Worthing.
I fear that the consequences of this kind of regional marketisation of pay will inevitably include the most skilled and highly qualified NHS workers moving to regions able to offer them a higher wage, whilst the poorest NHS trusts will have little choice but to employ less experienced and skilled staff.
I do not believe this is a desirable or acceptable outcome, particularly as it will ultimately lead to a reduction in the quality of care.
Furthermore, reduced pay in the most deprived regions could exacerbate social and economic inequalities. Workers from the poorest regions will see their disposable incomes and spending power decrease, consequentially de-stimulating local economies.
Conversely, the most affluent – and arguably less in need - regions will benefit from an economic stimulus. Regional pay scales will, therefore, achieve the opposite of the Government’s stated objective of stimulating growth across the economy.
In turn this could have a devastating knock on effect on local and small businesses in some areas – businesses that need to play a key role in any economic recovery.
Whilst these proposed NHS reforms seem part of a wider attempt to reduce Government spending, one consequence of regional pay is likely to be a series of costly pay negotiations that the NHS can ill afford.
Furthermore, the policy of ‘dismiss and re-engage’, designed to reduce overall pay packages, may instead cause a succession of expensive legal battles and unfair dismissal claims - whilst simultaneously lowing the living standards of many workers.
Before the Government moves forward with these proposals, I would urge a period of genuine consultation. This should be an opportunity for NHS workers, the communities in which they reside, and the greater public to be informed about regional pay and play a role in any decision making.
I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Caroline Lucas MP Brighton Pavilion
Read the ministerial response here.
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