In unilateral meetings with Ministers, advisers and DoH Officials and at meetings convened by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) both sections of Amicus consistently pushed for a clear commitment on workforce issues should the Government press ahead with Foundation Trusts.
We can now confirm the following facts:
- Foundation Trusts are not Early Implementer (EI) sites. The assessment of Agenda for Change (AfC) will be based on the monitoring facts from the twelve EI sites as agreed.
- The proposed schedule for roll out of AfC of October 2004 will be the same for Foundation Trusts as all other health service employers. Amicus members will be balloted prior to this date to endorse or reject AfC.
- Applications to the Secretary of State for Foundation status must demonstrate a clear commitment to AfC, this being a condition for approval.
- The relevant legislation is being amended to ensure Foundation Trusts remain in the NHS pension scheme.
- Foundation Hospitals will be able to access the National Litigation Authority's services.
- Foundation Trusts will have the freedom to award recruitment and retention premia above 30 per cent without prior approval of the new Staff Council however the justification for such action as set out in the proposed agreement applies as this is based of Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value statute and guidance.
The National Advisory Committee (NAC) agreed that Amicus should attend Foundation Trusts Concern initially as an observer. A Campaign Briefing on Foundation Trusts will be issued shortly.