Changes are proposed to procedures for handling absence and supporting staff through rehabilitation, redeployment or ill health retirements, and UNISON are involved in the consultation process.

There is real concern that the proposals will, in our belief, be detrimental to many groups of staff, not least front line ambulance staff. The employers recognise us as one of the biggest (if not the biggest) users of ill health retirement — a fact which is clear from the official consultation document itself.

As an ambulance sector, we believe that we can have a strong voice on this issue. We are now asking for our members views on the proposals which will help shape the joint recommendations. At the end of November, an event was held by NHS   Employers to focus on this issue. Our branch secretary, Ian Hopkins attended the event, along with Ian Knight, the Branch Chairman.  They were very direct in their questioning and left the organisers in no doubt about their concerns on the day. However, it is vital that we follow this up with a written response to the proposals.

 Sam Oestreicher, the national UNISON lead for ambulance staff, was also present and he echoed our concerns. He will now be formulating a national ambulance sector response. We urge our members to take the time to examine these important proposals, which could one day affect any one of us.

A copy of the “concise version” of the consultation document can be found right HERE. You can also submit your opinions to us via this site by visiting the YOUR VIEWS page.

Alternatively, the full detailed proposals can be found  on the NHS employers website HERE