Advanced paramedics at the East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST) will enjoy a pay rise worth thousands of pounds thanks to the hard work of local UNISON reps.
They will move up a band in the pay scales following an agreement with the Trust which also means they’ll be able to reach the top of Band 7 after five years in their specialist role – anyone who’s been working as an advanced paramedic for five years will go straight to the top.
The deal is being backdated to April 2019.
UNISON worked hard with the Trust to win the change, pointing out that advanced paramedics deserved to be on a higher pay band than paramedics because of the extra training and specialist skills required.
UNISON rep Mark Eardley, who spearheaded the campaign, said: “This decision is great news for everyone in the East of England Ambulance Service.
“Not only does it mean the pay available to advanced paramedics more properly reflects the skill and training that goes into the role, it also means paramedics and other ambulance staff have a route to higher pay grades that allows them to stay in clinical posts rather than go into management.
“What’s more, it shows how much we can achieve working in partnership with the employer to get the best result for our members.”
And EEAST acting chief operating officer Marcus Bailey said: “We understand the value the enhanced skills of advanced paramedics bring to the East of England Ambulance Service and it’s important that they’re properly rewarded for that work.
“We’re glad we could work with UNISON to secure this deal and hope it shows our commitment to supporting and retaining our advanced paramedics in the Service.”
The change will affect more than 100 advanced paramedics working for EEAST.