Staff working for the NHS in council-commissioned community health services are due to have their pay rise funded by government, it has been announced.
In a document sent to directors of public health, the Department of Health and Social Care said that NHS provider staff working in services commissioned by councils – such as for sexual health and health visiting – would have their pay rise funded by government.
However, it is not clear if this will be extended to staff working for social enterprises or charities who are also entitled to the pay increase.
Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “It is positive that the Government has acted on calls from the LGA to fund increases in pay for hardworking NHS staff working in council-commissioned community services.
“Without these assurances, councils would have had no choice but to make cuts to vital services, such as local sexual health clinics, health visitors and addiction support services, in order to fund the increase.
“Councils now also need clarity on whether pay increases for staff working in other non-NHS provided services, who provide vital services in their communities, will also be fully funded. This includes staff employed by charities and other organisations.
“If unaddressed, a two-tier system could be created, impacting on staff and services.”