Joint statement issued by the Health Trade Union Side in Northern Ireland:

“The Regional Health Trade Unions acknowledge the Health Minister’s wish to recognise the fantastic role staff played and continue to play across the health family. They have been relentless in trying to ensure the population of Northern Ireland have received the best possible care under the worst of circumstances.

“Whilst we acknowledge this announcement and what it stands for in good faith, we also note the Minister’s commitment that this proposed payment will have no bearing on any pay deal for Agenda for Change (AfC) staff.    

“Trade Unions caution that any such payments made to workers can impact detrimentally on workers entitlement to universal credits, family tax credits and any pension tiering. We note the Minister has taken steps to try to mitigate against any financial detriment.”

Signed: Kevin McAdam – Trade Union Chairperson; Anne Speed – Lead Joint Secretary; Rita Devlin – Interim Joint Secretary; Maria Morgan – Joint Secretary