CONCERNS were raised today over the interpretation and implementation of Scottish government policy that health boards in the country should offer bank staff contracts to support the national effort against Covid-19.

Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard wrote to Health Secretary Jeane Freeman to highlight examples of boards offering roles depending on an employee’s ability to work set shifts.

In his letter to Ms Freeman, Mr Leonard pointed to NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, which is Scotland’s largest, which is reportedly only giving three or six-month contracts to bank staff agreeing to these demands. 

He added: “My understanding is that at least one health board — Greater Glasgow & Clyde — is only offering these contracts to staff willing to work a shift pattern at the behest of the ward they are allocated. 

“As I am sure you will appreciate, many staff become bank nurses because they have other commitments, and these will not reduce, and may have even increased, during this crisis. 

“It is therefore counterproductive to lay this down as a condition, and a more flexible approach will help maximise the number of bank nurses who can make themselves available at this critical time.”

In calling for justice for bank staff, Mr Leonard also raised potential issues with the “death in service” benefit. 

The party leader shared concerns that unless workers were to die while on shift, they would not qualify for the benefit. 

He said: “Although the three and six-month contracts carry other service benefits including sick pay, it is my understanding that bank staff that are in the superannuation scheme do not qualify from the death-in-service benefit unless they die on a booked shift.

“That could result in staff contracting Covid-19 at work, dying some time later and their families not receiving this payment.

“Not only are these staff coming forward at a time of need, they are contributing no less than substantive staff in the same position. 

“Given the increase in health-service staff affected by Covid-19, this situation needs to be rectified as a priority, and I would appreciate if you might give it your urgent attention.”

The Scottish government had not responded to the Star’s request for comment at the time of publishing.