UNISON Scotland Health AC Staff

There are over 20,000 A&C staff working in the NHS in Scotland. They constitute 16% of the workforce and outwith nursing are the largest NHS staff group. 85% are women and one-third work part-time.

Often described as the ‘invisible workers’ of the NHS the A&C staff group covers a wide range of occupations and functions. They include central services such finance, supplies, personnel, information management and technology; national services supporting GP’s, dentists and pharmacists; the management of essential hospital support services including catering, laundry, sterile services and hotel services; and staff who provide direct support to the healthcare team including medical records, reception, secretarial and administrative staff.

Far from being out of sight, it is a little known fact that two-thirds of A&C staff have frequent contact with the public.

Without these and many other essential support services the Scottish NHS could not function.

Despite some of the lowest healthcare administrative costs in the western world the myth persists that there is bureaucratic waste in the NHS diverting attention from the historic underfunding of Scotland’s NHS.

In fact 60% of A&C staff salaries are less than the Low Pay Unit’s low pay threshold. 80% earn less than £261 pw. This is leading to a serious loss of experienced staff. 87% of members reported staff shortages in the last 12 months and more than a third reported job losses in their work area in the same period.

UNISON believes that high quality healthcare cannot be delivered without high quality support services and administration. This requires well motivated administrative and clerical staff with the appropriate training and skills. A&C staff are key members of the healthcare team as set out in the Scottish Office White Paper "Designed to Care".

- A&C staff to be respected as full members of the healthcare team

- A fair and decent wage

- Full access to training opportunities

- A safe working environment

- Job security in return for a commitment to embrace positive change

- Equal treatment regardless of sex, race, sexuality or disability

UNISON is the leading union for NHS administrative and clerical staff in Scotland. A&C staff are represented through UNISON’s health branches in every trust and health board. In addition there is an Scottish A&C Sector Committee which co-ordinates UNISON’s activities on behalf of A&C staff.

- National training and education framework for A&C staff.

- Transfer of Primary Care Administration from health boards to the CSA.

- NHS Information management and technology framework for Scotland

- Shared support services

- Trust reconfiguration

- Management capability project

- Hay CAJE job evaluation for A&C staff

- Proficiency allowances – a model claim

- Briefing – Information technology

- Integration and Collaboration: IM&T in the Scottish NHS

- Performance Appraisal: Guidance for A&C staff

- Investors in People: Making it work for A&C staff

UNISON Scotland also produces a regular newsletter for A&C staff covering current issues of concern to A&C staff.

UNISON Scotland works to ensure that the voices of A&C staff in Scotland are heard.

A&C Staff in the NHS in Scotland