Dear Members,
Proposed NCA shift pay changes
During the 2025/26 NCA Pay process both the NCA and NCOA wrote independently to the Chair of the NCA Remuneration Review Body (NCARRB), regarding shift pay changes.
The NCARRB did not make a specific recommendation on shift pay in its recently published report but encouraged the NCA to engage with its Trade Unions and find an amicable solution. Accepting that changes can be brought in outside of the normal NCARRB process.
Earlier this week, I received information on the changes which the NCA is proposing, these are an improvement to the current arrangements and would see more of our members recompensed for working shifts.
As the NCA considerations do not fully align with the evidence we gave to the NCARRB, I have now written to the NCA with NCOA counter proposals which include a significant increase in the consolidated allowance paid to those who work 24/7 shifts (i.e. including nights). With a request that any uplift is backdated to the 1st August 2025, so that it aligns with the 2025/26 pay award.
I have also proposed a separate ‘unsociable hours’ consolidated allowance, for those who are working rostered shifts 365(366) days a year but do not work nights.
I will keep you updated regarding the on-going discussions with the NCA.
Regards,
Steve Bond
General Secretary, NCOA.