Jun 26 2004
Health Secretary John Reid has launched the NHS Employers' Organisation - an independent body that will be responsible for the pay and conditions of all NHS staff.
In a further example of the Department of Health devolving power away from Whitehall, it will be run by the NHS Confederation which represents the organisations that make up the NHS.
Its main responsibilities will be to draw together NHS employers' views on how to implement employment policy. It will also support the implementation and delivery of Agenda for Change and the new GP and consultants' contracts.
John Reid said the organisation will provide an authoritative voice for NHS employers.
"Within the context of Government policy and resources, it will have responsibility for conducting national negotiations on pay and conditions without interference from Whitehall. It will represent employers' views and support them through guidance, advice, information and research. It also has a key role in promoting the NHS as an employer."
The new organisation will come into existence on 1 October.
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