Talks between NHS Tayside and pharmacy workers collapse

Talks between Tayside pharmacy workers and health board officials have collapsed as staff close in on a fourth week of industrial action.

It's over pay grades - with workers blaming a flawed job evaluation for leaving them out of pocket.

They were set to return to work today - but Unite the union is blaming NHS Tayside for the latest breakdown in negotiations.

Susan Robertson, Unite Regional Industrial Officer, said: “This really is beyond belief and a complete and utter farce.

"How can an NHS Board the size of Tayside not fulfill its duties and complete this jointly agreed process?

"Pharmacy support workers are furious and it’s clear to us that NHS Tayside did not intend to deliver the Job Evaluation Panel’s findings.

“From day one NHS Tayside has tried to wriggle out of its commitment to an independent process at every opportunity.

"Unite have now requested an urgent meeting with the Health Secretary Jeane Freeman as we believe that she is not fully aware of NHS Tayside’s outrageous and unprofessional behaviour.

"Pharmacy Support Workers were ready to go back to work today fully expecting to be awarded the banding grade they deserve.

"Instead, because of NHS Tayside’s incompetence, they will remain on the picket line."

But NHS Tayside bosses don't believe they're to blame for the breakdown in talks.

George Doherty, Director of Workforce for NHS Tayside, said, “NHS Tayside has always sought to avoid any industrial action and we remain committed to working with Unite to secure a resolution to the dispute.

“When concerns emerged around the grading of Pharmacy Support Workers, NHS Tayside wanted to refer the post for full independent review to the Scottish Terms and Conditions Committee (STAC), which is the most senior independent NHS Scotland body responsible for grading issues, and acts for all NHS employers and recognised trade unions, including Unite.

“Local Unite officials did not want to take the opportunity for that independent review of the Pharmacy Support Workers grade and have refused to participate when asked.

“NHS Tayside and Unite then sought to try to resolve the issue locally without independent review. This was through a panel of trade union and management evaluations looking at the job grade.

"This two-part process started on Monday and it was hoped that a final outcome would be reached this week.

"It was clearly understood by all parties that there was only a limited number of panelists available who could undertake this work and staff-side panelists can choose to take part as this is an extra task in addition to their normal jobs.

"Unfortunately, due to circumstances outwith the control of NHS Tayside and Unite, we have been unable to secure the required participation of panelists in the second part of the process.

“Therefore NHS Tayside has now asked for expert national guidance from the Scottish Terms and Conditions Committee (STAC) on the appropriate next steps in line with national frameworks agreed with all NHS trade unions."