NHS Scotland Agenda for Change staff - working week reduction: Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment
A Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment has been prepared in regard to the reduction in the working week for Agenda for Change staff in NHS Scotland as there has been a revision to existing policies.
Decision
No changes are being suggested to the reduction in the working week policy as a result of the assessment. This is because the reduction in the working week from 37.5 hours to 36 hours will benefit all AfC staff, addressing inequalities and creating a fairer Scotland.
The review and implementation of the reduction in the working week to 36 hours for AfC staff has been conducted in collaboration with Scottish Government, Health Trade Unions (Staff Side) and NHS Scotland Employers and taken forward under the aegis of STAC.
All suggestions from the reduction in the working week group were subject to review challenge by both STAC Secretariat and full STAC.
The analysis of the initial 30-minute reduction to the working week implemented on 1 April 2024 will help to inform the best way to roll out the additional hour as it is crucial to deliver any further change in a way that is safe for patients and staff, supports the continued recovery of services and avoids any extra burden for the workforce.
Approver
Name: Jane Hamilton
Position: Deputy Director Health Workforce Pay, Practice and Partnership, Health Workforce Directorate
Authorisation date: 19 February 2025