Nurses again reject 10% as agency bill at record high

To the end of October, the agency bill for Agenda for Change staff is £4.76m. compared to £4m. for all of 2018, the union said yesterday.

The overtime bill for nurses until the end of October is £2m.

Kenny Lloyd, RCN convenor, said: ‘We had a feeling that agency staff were being used more and more to fill in the gaps, but these figures confirm it.

‘A rising agency bill is unsustainable in the long term and it shows that issues with retention have to be addressed. To be constantly told that there is no money in the pot and yet to see these figures is yet another slap in the face for nurses.’

Following a meeting with the industrial disputes officer, the RCN and other unions which make up the Agenda for Change pay group agreed to ballot on the final offer from the States.

On a turnout of 51%, 89% of RCN members voted to reject the offer, which means an industrial action ballot will be held in January.

Lindsay Meeks, RCN regional director, said: ‘Asking our members to take part in yet another ballot on a barely improved offer was frustrating. We knew what the outcome would be before the process even started.

‘However, we’ve balloted now and the results speak for themselves. Everyone knows the reasons why we are where we are, we now need to regroup and prepare for the industrial action ballot that will come.’

Agenda for Change staff have been offered a rise of more than 10% over the course of 2019 with the next pay talks in 2021.

The RCN wanted 10% this year initially, but has later argued for what it says is parity with other States pay groups.

A spokesman for Policy & Resources, which acts as employer for the States, said the uncertainty might well have impacted retention, which is why it was so keen to resolve the process as soon as possible.

‘The figures quoted for agency fees can be confirmed. However, we are working hard to review all aspects of recruitment and retention.

‘However, there are times where we will be relying on agency staff,’ said the spokesman.

The RCN is one of four unions involved and, once the result of the ballot is confirmed across all these groups, the IDO will need to determine what the next steps are within the dispute resolution process.

There is no need for industrial action at this time while the IDO is still involved and a fair hearing will be given to both sides.

If the process is not resolved at that stage, it will go to tribunal, who will award accordingly.

At this stage, the Policy & Resources Committee will continue to monitor the situation and it is resolved further.