Championing fair pay in the workplace

The 2023 NHS pay offer for England included a one off ‘Covid bonus’ – but Manchester University NHS Trust made a blanket non-payment to staff that were on career break.  

Around 30 members of staff including physios missed out, despite NHS Employers’ guidance saying decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis.

Christina Ryan, CSP steward, explains how the trust’s unions fought this: ‘Anecdotally we knew some local trusts had paid the bonus to career breakers, but needed proof for ours to take notice.  

‘We liaised with local CSP members from another trust, who provided proof they were paid and allowed us to present this evidence to our employer.

‘We challenged the blanket decision on an individual member basis through the grievance process. 

‘But we also took collective action, ensuring the issue was on the agenda of every trust joint negotiating and consultative committee meeting for over year.

‘Eventually we achieved a positive outcome. 

‘The trust agreed to revisit all individual grievance cases alongside HR directors.  

‘All physios who challenged their decision eventually received the payment.’