NEPTS PCAs – Important Campaign Update!

UNISON’s “Put Our Banding Right” campaign has been working for over a year to secure fair recognition for NEPTS Patient Care Assistants (PCAs). After months of negotiations, we are now asking you to vote on the proposed back pay deal.

Background

Eighteen months ago, UNISON launched the “Put Our Banding Right” campaign with clear objectives:

  • To secure the re-banding of NEPTS Patient Care Assistants (PCAs) from Band 2 to Band 3.
  • To achieve a fair back pay settlement recognising the work already performed.

 

UNISON submitted a formal re-banding and back pay claim to EMAS in December 2023. Throughout this process, UNISON EMAS branch have gathered extensive evidence to demonstrate that PCAs have regularly been performing Band 3 duties while being paid at Band 2 rates.

What UNISON Has Already Secured

✅ Re-banding for NEPTS PCAs effective from 1 April 2025.
✅ New Job Descriptions clearly outlining duties for both Band 2 and Band 3 NEPTS PCAs.
✅ Clear distinction– between Band 2 and Band 3 duties with new Job Descriptions.

 

Why Are We Consulting You?

 UNISON EMAS has now reached a negotiated position with EMAS management on back pay for PCAs.
We are asking you to vote on whether to accept this deal. This is your opportunity to have your voice heard after months of hard work, evidence-gathering, and negotiation.

Details of the Back Pay Deal

  • 2.5 years’ back pay covering the period from October 2022 to 31 March 2025.
  • Re-banding implementation date: 1 April 2025.
  • Unsocial hours and overtime will be recalculated and paid retrospectively for the back pay period.
  • Bank workers (casual staff) are included in the back pay offer.

 

Consultation Period

🗳 Opening: Tuesday 29 April 2025
🗳 Closing: Midday, Friday 11 May 2025

How to Vote: [use the link you have received via email to register your vote]

UNISON Recommendation

After extensive negotiation, UNISON EMAS believes this is the best deal achievable through negotiation.

Thank you

Thank you for your continued support and patience during this campaign.
Your participation in this consultation is crucial — please take the time to cast your vote.

For more information, please see the FAQs listed below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is this consultation about?

  • UNISON EMAS has reached a negotiated agreement with EMAS on the re-banding and back pay claim for NEPTS Patient Care Assistants (PCAs). We are asking members to vote on whether to vote on whether to accept the back pay deal.

 

What is included in the back pay deal?

  • 2.5 years’ back pay, covering October 2022 – 31 March 2025.
  • Back pay includes basic salary, unsocial hours enhancements, and overtime recalculated for the period.
  • Bank workers are also included in the offer.

When will the re-banding take effect?

  • The re-banding to Band 3 will formally start from 1 April 2025.

 

Who is eligible for back pay?

  • Permanent NEPTS PCAs.
  • Bank PCAs who have worked during the eligible period (October 2022 onwards).

 

Will I be on the top of band 3 from 1/4/2025?

  • Yes– provided you have had 2 years continuous NHS service

How will my back pay be calculated?

Back pay will be calculated based on:

  • The difference between Band 2 and Band 3 pay.
  • Hours worked during the back pay period.
  • Unsocial hours payments and overtime recalculated for each relevant year.
  • First two years bottom of band 3 then six months top of band 3 (A4C pay points)

When will I receive the back pay if the deal is accepted?

  • If members vote to accept the deal, EMAS have committed to working towards processing back pay as quickly as possible. But it is likely that the back pay will be paid by August 2025 as each person eligible will have their claim individually calculated.

What happens if members vote to reject the deal?

If the offer is rejected:

  • It is likely that members will be balloted for further action, including potential escalation for industrial action.

Why is UNISON recommending acceptance?

  • UNISON believes this is the best deal achievable through negotiation, securing significant back pay, re-banding.

How do I vote?

  • UNISON members can vote from Tuesday 29 April 2025 to Midday, Friday 11 May 2025.

Who can I contact if I have further questions?

 

Posted: 28th April 2025

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