The Government is planning discussions with unions about how long-term pay deals could be set up for National Health Service workers not covered by pay review bodies. Such deals could last for three years or more.
In a statement issued on November 5, the Secretary of State for Health (Mr Alan Milburn) said: "Britain's economy is benefiting from very low levels of inflation. As a result, some 350,000 NHS workers, such as clerical staff, scientists, ambulance staff and porters, can themselves benefit from the increased certainty which long-term pay deals bring.
"At the same time, Government and the relevant unions will be able to move away from an annual bargaining round towards an approach which looks at the best possible pay arrangements covering a number of years."
No-one from the MSF union, which negotiates on behalf of hospital pharmacists who are members of the Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists, was available to comment as The Journal went to press.