CSP members have voted by a large majority to accept a new pay offer for NHS physiotherapy staff in Wales.
The improved 2022/23 pay offer from the Welsh Government includes a further three per cent on top of the £1,400 given to all staff, 1.5 per cent of which will be consolidated.
The offer for 2022/23 has been accepted by our members, following a consultative ballot. Over 45 per cent of eligible members voted in the consultation. Of those who had their say, over three quarters voted to accept the offer.
This acceptance from the CSP was put forward today at a meeting of all the health unions and the majority decision was to accept the award. However, this was a very close vote.
Acknowledging the majority decision of the health unions - but also the strength of feeling seen from members - the Welsh government has now committed to work in partnership with the health unions to implement the offer. The minister has also pledged to begin meaningful conversations on the nature of the pay award for 2023/24, and additional non pay elements to improve the conditions and well-being for NHS staff.
- Read full details of the offer from Welsh Government, now accepted by members
A brave decision by members
Commenting on the positive outcome, Jim Fahie, CSP assistant director of employment relations, said: ‘Members recognised this was a reasonable offer secured through negotiation.
‘We welcomed the Welsh Government’s constructive approach to the dispute, which was borne out of a very real anger our members felt at an original award that did nothing to help them manage the cost-of-living crisis or solve the severe shortages of staff currently seen in the NHS.
The improved offer was only possible through the brave decision our members and those in other unions took to vote in favour of strike action and this result shows the strength of health unions
The CSP will now seek further clarity on the implementation of the award and provide members with more information as soon as possible.
Implications for England
Following the prospect of industrial action, the Welsh government came to the table and engaged in meaningful talks. We are now urging the government in Westminster to follow suit and talk to health unions collectively to find a resolution to the dispute in England.
Otherwise, CSP members in England will have no choice but to continue with planned strike action on 22 March.
Securing a better deal
As well as included a further three per cent on top of the £1,400 given to all staff, the revised pay package includes some other elements of terms and conditions. These include but are not limited to:
- implementing an all-Wales flexible working policy with a presumption of agreement of flexible working unless there is a reason not to
- a commitment to establish a working group to look at reducing the working week to 36 hours
- and a commitment to look at better career progression, especially for those progressing from band 5 to 6
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