Contractors' body, the British Services association (BSA) says a trial that would allow support staff working in NHS hospitals run by private companies to remain NHS employees, may restrict the benefits the private sector can bring to PFIs.
However the move, done to pacify growing union disquiet over the schemes, is one that companies can still work with, said Norman Rose, BSA director general.
In the trial, cooks, cleaners, porters and laundry workers will retain national conditions, and new employees will be signed on to these.
Rose said he was confident about private involvement in the NHS. Soft services are still outsourced, he said, and the private sector will manage the staff. 'We will work with government to make it a success if it wants to go that way,' he added.
Source
The Facilities Business