For members employed in the NHS on Agenda for Change terms and conditions, this is especially important for the following reasons:
- It gives the PDA the right to negotiate and agree proposed changes to AfC
- Allows the PDA to ensure the voice of pharmacists is heard at the highest level in the NHS
- Allows the PDA to participate fully in the work of the NHS Social Partnership Forum
- Ensures the PDA can work closely with other unions on NHS pay
- Gives PDA members the right to be represented at local trust level on issues that are covered by local staff sides.
This is also a significant moment in the short history of the PDA Union and effectively ensures that more than 7,000 members employed in the NHS have the same representation rights as those achieved 5 years ago in Boots.
There are some very real benefits for members. For example, the PDA has already ensured that a priority of the staff side will be to push for resources to be made available to improve the Job Evaluation process so that there is a joint commitment with employers to make the process work as originally intended.
This is essential work as many PDA Union members will not have had job descriptions evaluated as they evolve and, as a result, and in common with members of other unions, are working below their correct band and are therefore underpaid. By joining the staff side, the PDA can bring its own members’ experiences to this work and add weight to the collective view of all unions that this work is a priority not just for NHS professionals but also for patients. In fact, it is essential if there is a move from a narrative that says the NHS is broken and morale among the professionals working in the NHS is poor, to one where members can feel properly valued, and their skills respected rather than exploited.
Staff side membership also gives the PDA much stronger rights for local PDA Reps to become members of local negotiating committees and be fully consulted on issues. Some issues include changes to on-call arrangements, as these are delegated to local Trusts and other employers.
Although pay continues to be determined through the NHS Pay Review Body, except in Scotland where there are direct negotiations with the Scottish government, membership of the staff side gives the PDA greater access to the Pay Review Body. It also ensures that the PDA can coordinate its approach with others who share its analysis in the campaign to ensure higher than inflation increases for NHS employees.
These are just a few of the tangible benefits participation in the NHS Staff Side gives the PDA and its members. There are many others, and the PDA will provide regular updates on progress. Those who are interested in becoming a PDA NHS Rep can find out more about the role here. Full training and support will be given.
Members employed by NHS employers can also contact the PDA with their comments about NHS terms and conditions by emailing [email protected].
Learn more
Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.