GMB@SAS Branch National update – JAN 2024 ANNUAL LEAVE GMB can confirm it has been accepted nationally that carry over of leave can be up to 1 week (37.5 hours). This was discussed and agreed on Monday of this week with confirmation that our interpretation of the NHS Scotland wide rules was correct. The SAS Business rules state only 12 hours can be carried forward – this is incorrect. GMB are also aware that some staff may have recently had their remaining annual leave allocated for year 23/24. Whilst we understand the concerns of Senior Management surrounding the ability of staff to utilise their annual leave entitlements before the end of the leave year, it is important to note that, technically, the remaining 25% of annual leave should not be allocated. This is in line with the current National Resource Planning Business Rules. Local agreements should not supersede this document.Staff who have had leave allocated to them may have found this beneficial. For those who disagree, they are entitled to seek to change this leave, taking into account that there is still an expectation to use up leave before the end of March 2024. The issue of allocation of the remaining 25% of annual leave rules needs revisited. We don’t want to be in a position that staff don’t get to use their entitlements, because they haven’t attempted to book leave. Staff are still expected to attempt to utilise their leave within the leave year and carry over of up to 1 week is at the discretion of local management teams. We have asked that the Business rules are updated to reflect this. NHS MILEAGE RATES There are two main types of NHS mileage rates: Reserve rate 31p per mileStandard rate 61p per mile GMB have raised our concerns that SAS staff are not consistently being paid the correct mileage. SAS have confirmed rates of reimbursement have been misapplied in certain circumstances. This has resulted in staff getting paid the reserve rate when the standard rate should have applied. They are committed to rectifying this. The current e-expenses system defaults to the reserve rate for employees. GMB reps have ideas on how to resolve this problem going forward and SAS have agreed to discussions. We will keep you updated.HEALTH & SAFETY Last week GMB reps carried out health & safety walk abouts following concerns from GMB members around working conditions. We were extremely disappointed in the findings and more so with the fact that these issues had been identified and flagged with local management on numerous occasions. While quick measures took place to make some improvements following GMB request for an immediate action plan to be put in place, there are still worrying infrastructure concerns. This is not helped by the lack of relevant risk information not being made available despite repeated requests. GMB have arranged face to face walk abouts around other stations.REST BREAKS While it appears rest breaks have improved recently from the ‘test of change’ program, GMB can confirm there is still work going on in the background to ensure 2nd breaks are given the same protection as first breaks. The rest break issue has not been resolved and GMB are committed to seeking further improvements for the benefit of our members and patients. We understand there are ongoing challenges, and we will continue to listen to members’ feedback in order to inform our discussions with SAS. Whilst there is now a focus on the 2nd break, it is important to note that the general improvements around the 1st break require continual review. The protection negotiated may need to be revisited and this has been recognised. HOT TOPICS At the start of this week, GMB had productive discussions with our sister Trade Unions and senior HR about key Service wide issues which will need significant focus over the coming year. Priorities include work on end of shift protection, on call working, compensatory rest, relief working, predictable working patterns and the previously mentioned annual leave (including a review of the formula which is currently used to determine the number of staff allowed off at any one time). Again, we welcome your comments and suggestions on areas where you think should be a priority.PTS DEMAND AND CAPACITY Work is shortly due to commence on PTS Demand and Capacity. GMB will be involved in this programme and expect it to improve staff experience as well as patient care. It is also important that lessons have been learned from both the A and E and Urgent Tier work which has preceded the PTS programme. We have been listening to the concerns of our members and understand that there are locations where we have seen little to no recruitment over the last few years. This is placing a significant strain on our patient transport members and GMB see it as vital that this situation is rectified as a priority. We need a patient transport service which is fit for purpose. Please get in touch and share your experiences and engage in the demand and capacity work when it commences. ACC Our membership within the 3 ACC’s is continuing to grow and we want to hear from all grades of staff. Your feedback and engagement will help shape how best we represent your views. GMB know that improving the working environment for our members in ACC needs to be a priority – please get in touch with your views. Annual leave allocation methods were discussed at ACC Partnership meetings and it was agreed that the current practice needs to change and staff should have more notice of leave, especially your 2 week summer leave. The current method is grossly unfair and relies on chance. Talks will commence shortly with a view to finding a positive change. We will keep you updated. NQP INTUBATION GMB have been made aware that SAS are not training Newly Qualified Paramedics in endotracheal intubation. GMB have significant concerns about this as it not only creates a 2-tiered Paramedic workforce, has the potential to cause patient harm and also disadvantages our affected members in terms of career opportunities. Our concerns were raised at Thursday’s National Partnership Forum. We expect that these concerns will now be fully explored by SAS as the current situation is not deemed to be acceptable by GMB. BRANCH WEBSITE / SHOP STEWARDS Members are reminded that they should try and engage with their local shop steward first when they require assistance or advice from the Branch. Full details of Reps and a wealth of other information can be found via the Branch website at www.gmb-sas.org.uk Best wishes and thank you for your continued support.Ross HerbertGMB@SAS Branch President
Posted: 2nd February 2024