CSP members in Northern Ireland accept pay offer

The pay offer includes a five per cent consolidated pay offer backdated to April 2023 that will bring Northern Ireland members back in line with colleagues in England if implemented. 

Additionally, there will be a non-consolidated lump sum of £1,505 for staff on Agenda for Change terms and conditions who have been working during the 2023-24 period.     

84 per cent of voters accepted the offer on a turnout of 57 per cent of eligible members.   

At a meeting of the joint trade unions representing Health and Social Care staff in Northern Ireland, the majority also reported acceptance. 

This outcome has been reported to the government, which is now moving to implement the award.

The pay consultation opened in late February following the newly formed executive in Northern Ireland putting forward an offer.  

Once implemented, this pay offer will bring to an end the CSP's pay dispute covering the 2022-24 pay years.  Health & Social Care staff will then await the outcome of the 2024/25 pay round alongside all UK nations.  In Northern Ireland, this is being conducted through a Pay Review Body process. 

The cross-sector, multi-union industrial action that took place in January this year undoubtedly led to pressure to reform the executive and prioritise public sector pay negotiations. 

CSP senior negotiating officer Claire Ronald said:  

‘We could not have achieved this offer without our members taking the brave but difficult decision to strike back in September and then again in January. 

The determination shown by members in Northern Ireland should not be underestimated- they should never have been put in the position where their only choice was to strike. 

While the pay award for 2023/24 will take some of the financial pressure off physiotherapy staff in Northern Ireland, we do understand that for many it would not be enough. 

The CSP will continue to make the case for the government to tackle the workforce crisis by paying members a fair and decent wage as we wait to see what the offer is for 2024/25.’