Context
The MP is concerned about the discrepancy in maternity leave benefits between doctors and nurses, particularly highlighting a case at River Place health centre where Whittington Health-employed nurses receive different terms from those employed by GP practices.
Question
How many and what proportion of NHS employees have received enhanced maternity leave entitlements under Agenda for Change contracts. Doctors throughout the NHS have blanket maternity agreements but nurses do not, leading to anomalies in maternity benefits between Whittington Health-employed staff and those working at GP practices. This is causing unfairness and needs addressing as community healthcare expands.
Answer from The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
The Department does not collect data on the number of people who have specifically received enhanced maternity leave entitlements under Agenda for Change contracts. Self-employed contractors to NHS GP surgeries are not bound by national terms and conditions, allowing them flexibility in setting wage rates and terms and conditions that reflect the skills and experience of their staff. While we anticipate good employers will set competitive terms to aid recruitment and retention, it is important to monitor this issue as healthcare services evolve.
Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific data on enhanced maternity leave entitlements or concrete steps to address the discrepancy in benefits between different types of NHS employers.
How: Self-Employed Contractors Are Not Bound By National Terms And Conditions
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