As part of the pay settlement for Agenda for Change staff in 2023-24, it was agreed to conduct a review of the Agenda for Change system in NHS Scotland. This work has been taken forward in partnership by a series of Working Group created under the aegis of the Scottish Terms and Conditions Committee (STAC). 

One of those Working Groups considered the reduction of the working week for Agenda for Change staff working in NHS Scotland. Attached at Annex A are the key principles which have now been agreed. Annex B confirms what this will mean in terms of hourly rates and Annex C covers Frequently Asked Questions in relation to this change. The Frequently Asked Questions will remain a live document and will be added to, as required, as discussions around implementation continue. 

The first 30 minute reduction in the working week is effective from 1 April 2024. Boards should work locally through their Area Partnership Forum to put all the agreed aspects of the new policy in place as soon as practicably possible.