Menu
10/10/2003
Trusts urged to meet doctors training directive
Health Secretary John Reid today urged all NHS trusts to tackle head-on the approaching deadline of the Working Time Directive for doctors in training.
The Directive, which must be implemented by August 2004, places limits on the number of hours junior doctors can work and sets down minimum rest periods.
Protecting Staff: Delivering Services, the first major national conference on the Working Time Directive since the regulations were made law this summer, was attended by over 500 delegates from across the NHS and was a chance for all trusts to share good practice and look to develop new ways of working.
Speaking at the conference, John Reid said that the challenge presented by the Directive "must not be underestimated".
"The Working Time Directive is an issue that I am taking very seriously. I am here today to commend the work done by the WTD and Hospital at Night pilots sites, and to urge all NHS trusts to place compliance at the top of their agenda," he said.
"No-one here underestimates the large task that we all face in achieving compliance by the deadline date. A lot of work has been done, but there is still a lot of work for us to do."
The Department of Health is funding a national programme of over 20 pilot studies in individual trusts or groups of trusts to explore ways of delivering services under the new rules. The pilots cover a range of areas such as skillmix, redesign of rotas, new roles and reconfiguration of services.
(gmcg)
The Directive, which must be implemented by August 2004, places limits on the number of hours junior doctors can work and sets down minimum rest periods.
Protecting Staff: Delivering Services, the first major national conference on the Working Time Directive since the regulations were made law this summer, was attended by over 500 delegates from across the NHS and was a chance for all trusts to share good practice and look to develop new ways of working.
Speaking at the conference, John Reid said that the challenge presented by the Directive "must not be underestimated".
"The Working Time Directive is an issue that I am taking very seriously. I am here today to commend the work done by the WTD and Hospital at Night pilots sites, and to urge all NHS trusts to place compliance at the top of their agenda," he said.
"No-one here underestimates the large task that we all face in achieving compliance by the deadline date. A lot of work has been done, but there is still a lot of work for us to do."
The Department of Health is funding a national programme of over 20 pilot studies in individual trusts or groups of trusts to explore ways of delivering services under the new rules. The pilots cover a range of areas such as skillmix, redesign of rotas, new roles and reconfiguration of services.
(gmcg)
Related Northern Ireland Recruitment News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 May 2005
EU to debate Working Time Directive
The European Parliament is beginning a debate of the Working Time Directive today. The directive, which limits the working week in the EU to 48 hours on average, is being debated as part of a ten-year review following its introduction in 1993.
EU to debate Working Time Directive
The European Parliament is beginning a debate of the Working Time Directive today. The directive, which limits the working week in the EU to 48 hours on average, is being debated as part of a ten-year review following its introduction in 1993.
25 July 2003
Government extends protection for NI workers
New measures to protect around 15,000 additional workers from excessive hours and unreasonable working patterns have been introduced by the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL).
Government extends protection for NI workers
New measures to protect around 15,000 additional workers from excessive hours and unreasonable working patterns have been introduced by the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL).
07 November 2006
TUC Say 48-hour Opt Out Unnecessary
As European ministers meet to discuss the future of the UK's opt-out from the Working Time Directive's 48 hour limit on the average working week, the TUC has claimed that the UK 'does not need an opt-out' any longer.
TUC Say 48-hour Opt Out Unnecessary
As European ministers meet to discuss the future of the UK's opt-out from the Working Time Directive's 48 hour limit on the average working week, the TUC has claimed that the UK 'does not need an opt-out' any longer.
12 May 2006
Research Places NI Bottom Of Home Working Table
TUC research of regional trends of home working using previously unpublished data from the Labour Force Survey has revealed that Northern Ireland has the UK’s lowest percentage of people working from home. The data indicated that only 15,000 workers – just 2.6% of the working population – are based at or usually work from home.
Research Places NI Bottom Of Home Working Table
TUC research of regional trends of home working using previously unpublished data from the Labour Force Survey has revealed that Northern Ireland has the UK’s lowest percentage of people working from home. The data indicated that only 15,000 workers – just 2.6% of the working population – are based at or usually work from home.
11 January 2004
HR Professionals Reject UK Working Time 'Opt Out'
According to a survey by a leading business consultancy group, around three in five human resource professionals would back EU measures to restrict company employees' working to a maximum of 48 hours a week.
HR Professionals Reject UK Working Time 'Opt Out'
According to a survey by a leading business consultancy group, around three in five human resource professionals would back EU measures to restrict company employees' working to a maximum of 48 hours a week.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
