Labour Court recommends distinct medical scientist grade in collective dispute

The Labour Court recommended conceding the union’s claim for a distinct Specialist Medical Scientist grade, with the parties to agree an appropriate salary level. It did not recommend concession of the union’s separate claim for a charge allowance. The dispute between the Health Service Employers Agency and the Services Industrial Professional Trade Union, Medical Laboratory Scientist's Association was referred to the Court in September 2004. The recommendation was signed on 12 August 2005. The Court said a distinct grade was more consistent with the Expert Group’s intention. It declined to recommend the allowance because the report made no provision for it.