1. South of England cost of living announcement. The Government today announced that all nursing midwifery and health visiting staff and all PRB PAMS would benefit from a cost of living allowance of up to £1000 from April 1st 2001. The allowances so far announced do not apply to doctors, dentists or non-PRB staff.
In addition a new agency for NHS professionals to eliminate commercial agencies has been established to influence scientists.
The Department of health will be providing more information next week.
MSF has issued the attached press release.
We are seeking early assurances that when the nursing proposals are implemented next April, there will also be substantial increases for scientists, technicians and other health professionals outside the PRB. We will be raising this with Ministers in the immediate future.
2. Positively Diverse conference. The most recent Reps Direct did not contain the contact number for the conference advertised. If you wish to attend, please fax Jennie Sellars on 01625-611101.