IRS assesses impact of NHS Plan

PUBLIC SECTOR PAY

A far-reaching programme of change to HR and pay practices is being implemented across the NHS. A recent issue of IRS Employment Review looks at the experience of 37 health service organisations.

Without doubt, the major challenge facing HR practitioners is the Agenda for Change programme. AfC is the 2002 agreement covering the modernisation of pay terms and conditions for the 1.3 million-strong NHS workforce. At the heart of the programme is a new job evaluation system coupled with two new pay spines, harmonised terms and conditions and career progression based on a new knowledge and skills framework.

According to this seven-page IRS survey, many respondents voiced concern over limited resourcing and funding -- especially given the sheer scale of the task ahead. The report says: "Methods of tackling the challenge included: the further development of partnership working with unions setting clear priorities and good project management."

Want to know more?

Title: "Major HR change programme under way across NHS", IRS Employment Review 810/Employment Trends, 22 October 2004.

Availability: To purchase this report contact the subscriptions department at IRS in London, tel: 020 8686 9141 or visit www.irsemploymentreview.com

Posted 27 October 2004