To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the new 2021 Specialty Doctor and Specialist Doctor contracts.

Northern Ireland entered tripartite negotiations with England, Wales in 2020 to reform the 2008 Speciality Doctor Contract and to discuss the introduction of a new grade to provide SAS doctors with an opportunity for career progression, to the Specialist role. The contract negotiations concluded in January 2021 with a Framework Agreement. The NI Framework was signed by the BMA (NI) in April 2021 following a positive ballot outcome for the new terms. The new contracts came into effect on the 1st April 2021. SAS doctors can choose to move to the new terms or remain on their existing contracts.

The new contracts are attractive with a flatter shorter pay scale, which will see benefits for doctors in relation to the career average pension scheme. They also include a number of changes to the wider terms and conditions such as; doctors will reach the top of the pay scale quicker than under the 2008 pay framework; an increased on-call availability supplements in line with their consultant colleagues; the introduction of hours safeguards to protect SAS doctors working the most onerous unsocial working patterns; an additional days annual leave after 7 years in the grade; a contractual right to one supporting professional activity to be used exclusively for job planning, appraisal and revalidation purposes; and improved provisions for shared parental leave and child bereavement leave.

It is my view that the contracts negotiated and agreed by all parties are attractive and will see benefits for SAS doctors.