Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the contribution of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health of 7 November 2012, Official Report, column 250WH, on regional pay (NHS), when (a) officials and (b) Ministers in his Department were first made aware of the south-west consortium; and how they responded.
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Answer
Officials and Ministers in the Department first became aware of the South West Consortium when the Health Service Journal broke the story on 25 May 2012. Under reforms suggested by the previous Government, all employers, including those in the South West, have the freedom to determine the terms and conditions, including pay, of the staff they employ. The current Government supports the use of national terms and conditions for national health service staff. Agenda For Change must remain fit for purpose in the best intent of protecting NHS jobs and looking after patients.