Hospital managers face demotion and pay cuts under cost-saving plans

Around 140 managerial staff at Blackpool Victoria Hospital are being consulted over plans which could see some employees demoted and their pay reduced as part of efforts to cut costs.

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has launched a 30-day consultation covering 144 roles, with staff working between NHS Bands 6 and 8 among those included in the proposals.

Under the plans, some roles could be moved down by one pay band. The changes are expected to save the trust around £500,000, although the trust has said it currently expects only a small number of the 144 roles involved to ultimately be affected.

The proposals have been criticised by Managers in Partnership (MiP), the trade union representing health and care managers.

MiP chief executive Jon Restell warned that reducing pay could damage staff morale and place additional pressure on clinical teams. The union has also questioned how existing responsibilities would be managed if roles were moved to lower pay bands.

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals said the proposals form part of changes to the structure of its clinical divisions.

Chief executive Maggie Oldham said the restructure was intended to strengthen accountability, improve decision-making and ensure services are organised around the way patients receive care.

The trust said it is working directly with employees who may be affected and that their views will be considered before any decisions are made.

The consultation is due to conclude on 30 August, with the proposals remaining subject to the outcome of that process.

Stay informed with the stories shaping health and social care.