Recordings of past sessions

Please can the Trust share its stance on supporting colleagues with long covid, does the Trust agree that long covid could be seen as a disability under the Equality Act and what support can colleagues access from the Trust.

For colleagues who may never had a disability / long term condition before all of this is very new to them and also their line managers, what plans do the Trust have to support managers who have staff members in their teams with long covid.

Long Covid is not an automatic disability under the Equality Act but if a condition has affected you for more than 12 months and if it has a long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities then would probably be covered by the Equality Act.

The trust are looking to implement a process for retire and return so that it is looked at across the organisation rather than just within your current area of work.

Oncall payment to transport drivers

Prior to COVID the 'on call' payment to Mersey Care staff was being reviewed by the organisation. Apparently Senior staff were adwarded higher on call payments.

Due to the pandemic the matter was ‘put to one side’ in order to deal with the emerging crisis.

After approximately 30 months there has been no mention of when the On Call payment will once again be discussed.

Currently the ‘On Call’ rate is £2.17 per hour for the Transport Department.

It should be noted that Transport Drivers have not had a rise in this payment for many years.

Bill

Transport department

This is correct that on call was being reviewed prior to the pandemic.

The piece of work in relation to on call has just been picked up again this month and I can assure you that this will include a review of the on call rate for the Transport Department

Pay Rise

What is the agreed pay rise for this year and what does this mean for our staff?

Anon

Amanda Oates

The government has accepted the recommendations of the NHS PRB, as outlined in its thirty fifth report, and agreed to a minimum £1,400 consolidated uplift to all pay points, backdated to 1 April 2022.

For further details please click on the link below

2022/23 NHS terms and conditions of service pay materials | NHS Employers

COVID

Is the COVID booster mandatory for staff?

Anon

Trish Bennett

The Covid Booster is not a mandated condition of employment. However similar to the annual Flu vaccination programme the Trust will ensure that there is a robust monitoring system in place that encourages and supports the highest level of uptake of both Flu and Covid boosters/vaccinations by colleagues in all areas of the Trust  

Cost of living

Does the Trust have any other plans to help with the cost of living?

Anon

Amanda/ others

Mersey Care recognises the need to support colleagues, and not only strives to support the mental and physical health but also the wider, social aspects of  health and wellbeing. Our Financial Wellbeing, Staff Hub section also has a range of intervention, resources and services that you may choose to access to further support your financial wellbeing.  

For more information please use the link below

Your financial wellbeing :: YourSpace Mersey Care