Recent reports of pay cuts set to hit NHS nurses will not be passed to Healthcare Locum nursing staff, according to new wage research by healthcare recruitment specialist HCL Nursing.
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Managing Director of UK HCL Nursing Helen Rudanec said while the impact of the government’s squeeze on the NHS could result in pay cuts for up to 30,000 nurses, the rate of pay for HCL nurse recruits will remain unchanged.
“Locum staff pay is not affected by NHS budget constraints, and this is due to our negotiated pay structures within our affiliated hospitals and trusts” Ms Rudanec said.
“Partnerships with a large range of hospitals and trusts means that our locum nurses have a higher level of flexibility and choice, and this in hand with attractive rates of pay, pension schemes and a comprehensive reward package means that more nurses may look at locum employment options.”
HCL pay levels will be maintained for general and critical nurses, both of which are areas of shortage in the healthcare sector in the UK.
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“For any healthcare worker, the quality of patient care has to be paramount. HCL Nursing's quality assurance policy and procedures ensure that all nurses are thoroughly screened prior to placement to ensure that they not only meet with the compliance requirements our clients demand, but that the nurses and support staff all have the relevant skills and experience to provide effective care to the end users of our services - the patient.”
HCL emphasise that they continue to be committed to the protection of vulnerable adults and children by providing a quality service to their locum nurses by providing them with the ongoing support they would expect to receive from a full time employer.
“With current cutbacks, rising inflation and subsequent pay freezes, I would encourage nurses to explore their employment options before accepting the impact that this pressure will have on earnings; cutting staffing costs and slashing budgets puts patients at risk and I believe nurses are genuinely concerned about how they can maintain the quality of patient care.”
Industrial action has been tipped as anger amongst nurses and a growing lack of morale drives the health sector towards crisis point.
“We believe that historically, agency nurses have not received the recognition they deserve for the work they undertake. They are often placed into new environments and must therefore adapt to ever changing working practices and procedures. HCL Nurses are recruited because of their skills and experience and they deserve to be paid for their high level of competence, expertise and ongoing commitment to training and patient care.”
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For any further information, contact HCL Communications and PR Manager Laura Ackland on +44 (0) 207 451 1448. |
