Hundreds of healthcare assistants (HCAs) in Somerset are better off thanks to a successful regrading campaign that has increased salaries and led to back payments of up to £4,550, says UNISON.
In total, 553 HCAs employed at Somerset Foundation Trust will benefit from a significant salary boost and back pay. The deal goes back to March 2017, which means around two-thirds of them (360) will receive the maximum payment of £4,550.
Earlier this year, UNISON argued that staff on salary band 2 of the NHS’s Agenda for Change pay scale who regularly perform clinical tasks should be moved up to band 3 to recognise these responsibilities.
Clinical work includes things like taking blood, performing electrocardiogram tests and inserting cannulas.
The trust has already regraded staff and the back payment will be made in November’s pay packet.
UNISON regional secretary Kerry Baigent said: “This is a fantastic win for healthcare assistants in Somerset. The regrading campaign means they are now being properly recognised and paid for their hard work.
“The back pay will be a huge boost for staff. It pays to be in a union.”
