UK Health Secretary John Reid today welcomed UNISON members’ decision to endorse the new Agenda for Change pay system for NHS staff.

UNISON announced today that 75 per cent of its members voted in favour of accepting Agenda for Change.

Mr Reid said:

\"The country’s biggest union has endorsed the NHS’ biggest ever pay and reform package.

\"NHS patients will benefit from the introduction of Agenda for Change. As staff begin to work more flexibly and enhance their skills, patients will experience faster and better care.

\"Agenda for Change along with the new contracts we have introduced for consultants and GPs represent a historic opportunity to bring greater quality to the heart of all the care that the NHS provides. UNISON members have endorsed the right deal for patients.\"

Mr Reid pointed to the benefits that Agenda for Change will bring to patients:

-- as NHS staff develop new roles in hospitals, GP surgeries, and in the wider community, patients will experience higher quality care tailored to their individual needs;

-- as these new roles develop, patients will also experience faster treatment and a more streamlined care pathway; and

-- improvements to basic pay and conditions will raise morale and create a more highly motivated workforce.

Notes to editor

1) The final decision to proceed with Agenda for Change will be taken by all of the trade unions collectively. The results of the Amicus vote will be known shortly.

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This was a press release from the UK Dept of Health