States turn to Industrial Disputes Officer to resolve nurse pay dispute

Thursday 26 September 2019

Policy & Resources have reached out to the island's Industrial Disputes Officer to try to reach an agreement in the ongoing pay dispute with the island's nurses.

It has been confirmed that the Royal College of Nursing has rejected the most recent pay offer made by the States.

While the RCN is the biggest, there are four unions representing the group of staff under the 'Agenda for Change' terms and conditions. Two of those did accept the offer, but the RCN and another did not. 

A spokesperson for P&R said: "As a result the Committee has offered to meet again with representatives of all four unions in a further attempt to progress pay negotiations and is asking for assistance from the Industrial Disputes Officer in bringing conciliation between parties.

"The Committee hopes this will help to find a way through to an agreement soon.  We understand the RCN is considering this proposal and we look forward to hearing from them."

Most recently it was announced that striking could be on the cards for nurses, as they are growing increasingly frustrated with the slow process. Deputy Heidi Soulsby, President of Health & Social Care urged P&R in an open letter to reach an agreement before it came to that. 

Pictured top: A recent march advocating better pay for nurses which took place in Town.