Health secretary Patricia Hewitt today announced that more than 800,000 NHS staff have moved on to the Agenda for Change pay system.
Figures released today show that 87% of NHS staff have now been moved on to the new pay and conditions system.
Hewitt said: “Agenda for Change is the biggest project ever in the world to introduce a new pay system that has brought real and lasting benefits for thousands of staff thanks to improved pay and a better career structure.
“However, I know that moving thousands of staff on to a new pay structure has not been easy and I would like to thank all the staff and union representatives that have made this possible – it proves just what working together can achieve.”
The Department of Health had initially set a target of 100% assimilation by the end of September. Hewitt said the government would now work closely with the strategic health authorities, NHS Employers and the unions to ensure that all organisations are moved onto Agenda for Change by the end of the year.
Steve Barnett, director of NHS Employers said: “In the past few weeks we have seen impressive efforts by trusts to get their staff assimilated and this encouraging result is testament to the heard work of all those involved.
“Our implementation team will continue to help trusts move staff on to Agenda for Change at local level and will work with them on the next phase of the agreement to support the personal development and career progression of staff.”
Karen Jennings, head of health at public sector union Unison, said the 87% assimilation rate was “a remarkable achievement”.
