AQW 50000/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Health
To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the number of pharmacists employed by GP Federations who are not employed on terms and conditions equivalent to Agenda for Change; and (ii) any engagement his Department and the Strategic Planning and Performance Group has had with GP Federations and the Pharmacists' Defence Association in relation to the alignment of pay and terms and conditions.
Asked by Claire Sugden MLA on 30 June 2026
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 30 June 2026
- Answer due by
- 17 July 2026
- Answered
- 5 August 202636 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- No
Answer
There are 303 WTE General Practice Pharmacists (GPP) funded by my Department. These GPPs are not employed on terms and conditions equivalent to Agenda for Change.
My Department has not engaged with GP Federations and the Pharmacists’ Defence Association in relation to the alignment of pay and terms and conditions.
My Department only has a negotiating mandate to agree terms and conditions, including pay, for all staff employed by an HSC Body, and as contained in Annex 1 of NHS Handbook. Therefore, it does not set the terms and conditions, nor the pay, of individuals employed outside of the defined bodies.
An individual employed by non-HSC bodies such as a GP Federation should approach their own employer for clarity on this matter.