Northern Ireland Ambulance Service HSC Trust gives ambulance workers pay rise

Northern Ireland Ambulance Service HSC Trust is giving its ambulance workers a pay rise, backdated to January 2017.

The pay changes will affect emergency medical technicians (EMT), paramedics and rapid response paramedics (RRP).

Alongside the pay changes, employees will see their pay bands upgraded within the Agenda for Change pay structure.

EMTs will be moved from band four to five, which will see their pay rise from £21,892 - £24,157 to £24,907 - £30,615 (depending on experience), while paramedics and RRP workers will move from band five to six, receiving a pay increase from £24,907 - £30,615 to £31,365 - £37,890.

These new pay rises, including backdated payments, will cost the trust £7 million.

Dave Prentis, general secretary at Union, said: “This pay rise will make a real difference to ambulance workers, recognising their skills and experience.

“It’s the second big victory this year for Unison in Northern Ireland after NHS workers were given pay parity with staff in other parts of the UK. Congratulations are due for securing this latest agreement.”

Northern Ireland Ambulance Service HSC Trust was unavailable to comment at the time of publication.