Northern Ireland physiotherapy staff angry and upset over health minister’s pay award

“The imposition of a one off payment on pay leaves physiotherapy staff in Northern Ireland worse off than their colleagues in the other parts of the UK.

"This decision once again disregards the recommendations made by the UK Pay Review Body and shows a complete contempt for the very people who have somehow continued to deliver outstanding patient services in Northern Irelands under extremely difficult circumstances.

"At a time when the health service in Northern is undergoing further change and staff are being asked to work harder than ever to transform how services are delivered this decision will further demoralise and demotivate physiotherapy staff.

"In the run up to the Assembly elections in May 2016 CSP members, will no doubt, reflect on the implications of the imposition of this award.

"The CSP will now consult with members and other trade union colleagues in Northern Ireland to consider further action they might be prepared to take to challenge this decision.”

Ends

For further information please contact:

Tom Sullivan, policy officer
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
Arthur House
41 Arthur Street
Belfast  BT1 4GB

Tel:   028 90446249
Mob: 07779651939

email sullivant@csp.org.uk

Note to editors

1. The decision to impose the 1% pay non-consolidated award for 2015/16 comes on the back of a the decision by Health Minister Wells in October 2014 to disregard the recommendations of the Pay Review Body for 2014/15 which was presented to the Northern Ireland Assembly by the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Minister for Health in March 2014.

2. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is the UK’s professional, educational and trade union body. We have more than 54,000 members, including chartered physiotherapists, physiotherapy students and support workers.