UNISON WELCOMES POLICY STATEMENT FROM THE HEALTH MINISTER ON AGENCY SPEND

UNISON Northern Ireland welcomes the policy statement from the Health Minister. It represents some progress following on the commitment to reduce the exorbitant costs of agency use. This was secured by UNISON and other unions as part of the settlement of the last health workers pay dispute.

Covid interrupted and delayed attempts to tackle the issue.

UNISON pushed and secured a restart of work on this issue. This statement is just the first step. A strong protocol with controls on procurement must follow swiftly. The policy does impose a mandated responsibility on the corporate leadership across the health services to put the policy into practice. Direct engagement must take place with trade unions on reducing the use and dependency on agencies.

UNISON will be pressing to ensure that vacant posts are filled and opportunities are opened up for temporary workers. Use of expensive agencies to provide staff should be the last resort.