36 hour week to be implemented from 1 April.
NHS Agenda for Change staff - including nurses, midwives,
paramedics, allied health professionals, porters and others -
will see a one hour reduction in their working week from next
month.
The reduction will be implemented from 1 April as part of the
2023-24 Agenda for Change pay settlement. Staff have already
benefitted from in an initial 30 minute reduction in the working
week from 37.5 to 37 hours.
The move has been agreed with trade unions to modernise the NHS
Scotland Agenda for Change system. Additional commitments around
including Protected Learning Time and a review of Band 5 nursing
roles have already been progressed.
Health Secretary said:
“A healthy work life balance is essential for our NHS staff who
provide exceptional care to the people of Scotland. I am very
pleased to confirm that from 1 April Agenda for Change staff will
see a further reduction of one hour in their working week.
“This move is an opportunity to evolve how staff are rostered and
work, ensuring NHS Scotland is a leader in flexible and family
friendly working practices.
“I am grateful to both Trade Union and Employer representatives
for working closely in partnership with us to develop these
reforms.”
UNISON Head of Health/Scotland, Matt McLaughlin said:
“The reduction of the working week across NHS Scotland was agreed
in the 2024 pay deal for UNISON members in the NHS and is a
landmark agreement that seeks to provide a better work life
balance for NHS workers.
“Scottish Government are to be commended for their commitment to
the agreement.”
