NHS Bank Staff Uncertain Future

1813

Hi

I work for the NHS as a bank member of staff in records and recently I was told during my lunch my hours are being reduced. I weighed this up and thought income wise this would be no great concern. 

However, a colleague who is also on bank said to me “have you started looking for a new role?” and another bank member of staff said in conversation with me that they are concerned about their futures as did the member of staff who asked me about finding a job. My friend has recently been given “notice” of two weeks who also worked on bank. 

I have worked in bank as a records member of staff for nearly six years and in this time have done three different roles. 

Basically, what I want to ascertain is, due to an uncertain future, what are my rights here? Since I started, I’ve done hours and duties that are identical to what a normal employee would do so would I be right in thinking I could be classed as an employee despite the fact I am a bank member of staff? Also, when I started my third new role in records, I got an email saying about my “new role.”

I have decided to ask for a meeting at work for all bank staff because we all need to know where we stand and to be honest, this is going to put a strain on my mental well being because I was out of work for many years before I found a role in the NHS. Any advice would be much appreciated in this matter. 

Thank you.

debsy42

Are you employed by the Trust on a bank contract or are you employed by one of the bank companies eg NHS Professionals or Bank Partners?

XxDarkMarioxX

I think they are trying to cut down on NHSP due to cost but NHS still needs staff no matter what happens. Problem with NHSP/Bank They be classed as an Agency meaning they can cut down hours and such because its not contracted hours. But in all fairness if your NHS Place can afford to pay Bank Staff for that long why have NHS not taken you on perm basis with contract.

Tucosalamanca

Have you spoken to a union rep, they will be able to give some guidance, even if you're not a union member.
It's always a risk with being a bank worker.
If the trust or your department is struggling financially, bank workers can be some of the first to go. It's a useful tool for the trust management (just like putting a hold on all overtime).
Any reason why you haven't applied for permanent roles when they've become available?
I know bank workers have more flexibility with hours (you choose to work, rather than are contracted) but your situation is unfortunately the downside.
I've seen people leave when I had no idea they were bank workers. I just thought they were part of the team, like you they were working the same role for years.
Hopefully it's only temporary blip and cuts don't get as far as your role.
Records staff have plenty of transferable skills within the NHS.
Any chance you could find an alternative role, even if it meant doing something different? 

gwynlas

You should not be asking for a meeting regarding all bank staff unless you are an elected member of a union, you can only seek clarity regarding your own role. if there is a possibility that you could be dismissed like your friend then yes you should be looking for something permanent. As others have said you knew the downfalls of being a bank worker as well as the advantages time served does not change that.

El_Rey

How long have you been doing your current role? Once you have been doing it for two years you have the same rights as a permanent employee. At that point the trust should be converting you to a permanent contract.