TOPIC OF THE MONTH
 Additionality – the facts
Warren Town, director of industrial relations for the Society, challenges the myths about policy of additionality with some straight forward guidance.
What is additionality?
Additionality is a government policy designed to protect core services in the NHS. In practice, employment in an Independent Sector Treatment Centre (ISTC) is not permitted if a candidate is currently employed in the NHS, or has been employed in the NHS in the preceding six months.
When does it apply?
The policy of additionality is stated within the NHS contract. All ISTC providers must be able to show that they have adhered to this when recruiting new staff.
But there are exceptions to the rule:
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Employees made redundant and who cannot find NHS employment may be directly employed by an ISTC;
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Students who cannot find NHS employment are exempt from the policy;
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Where is can be shown that employment in an ISTC will not distort the local labour market and both the ISTC and the NHS Trust agree, a waiver may be sought from the Department of Health to allow direct engagement.
Working for an independent provider
Whereas employment in an ISTC is subject to additionality, there are other options which allow staff to work for an independent provider whilst retaining NHS employment terms and conditions including pension entitlement. Employees can be seconded or they may be employed under the Retention of Employment model.
Further information and a copy of the HR Framework for ISTC employment may be found on the NHS Employers' website, which explains the range of employment options for staff.
Skills retention
The SoR, along with Unison, RCN, the BMA and Amicus have until now supported the use of additionality to protect NHS core services and to retain skills in the NHS.
At the present time the future use of additionality, in particular for staff groups designated as shortage professions, is under scrutiny. It is unlikely that radiography will be exempt from the list given the shortage of skilled staff.
Where can managers go for support?
If you are aware of any abuse of the additionality policy contact Vicky Andrews, SoR TUIR Administrative Secretary. Submissions can be anonymous, although an area and the specialism involved is preferred, rather than complete anonymity.
Managers who wish to receive further information, or discuss this policy, should email Warren Town in the first instance.
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