Received from: SoR
Congress notes with concern that NHS Trusts continue to explore ways of
outsourcing some of their workload to outside companies, commonly referred to as wholly owned subsidiaries. In the Society of Radiographers Yorkshire and North Trent region alone there are nine ongoing programmes.
Congress recalls these companies are set up to avoid tax and as a way of opting out of national terms and conditions thus reducing staff costs by employing workers on less favourable terms than Agenda for Change and worse pension arrangements than the NHS scheme.
Congress notes that in September 2018, NHS Improvement told Trusts to pause any plans to set up wholly owned subsidiaries because of concerns that they were being used solely for tax avoidance purposes. The impact on workers terms and conditions was not considered important.
Congress calls on the General Council to:
i. maintain pressure on NHS Trusts and join with other health unions in calling
for this pause to become a complete cessation in setting up wholly owned
subsidiaries
ii. support any union members taking action against these shell companies.
Society of Radiographers
AMENDMENT
- Insert new paragraph 3:
“Congress congratulates those unions and their members who have fought successful campaigns against subcos in areas such as Wigan, Bristol, Leeds, Tees, Leicester and Mid-Yorkshire.” - Insert new penultimate paragraph:
“Congress is particularly concerned that since the pause, and subsequent guidance from NHS Improvement, a number of new subcos have been established.” - In sub-paragraph i., after “unions” insert “and campaigners”
UNISON