AQW 8558/22-27

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 11/03/2024
Answered On Date: 26/03/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health what action his Department is taking to review the pay rate for NHS interpreters.

Answer:

Face-to-face spoken language interpreters are independent self-employed contractors who are not employed by the Health and Social Care (HSC) service but are paid for their service through the Business Services Organisation (BSO) at an agreed rate.

HSC Interpreters must be registered with BSO and adhere to the HSC Terms of Engagement. This stipulates an hourly rate of pay as well as a preparation payment.

The Department is aware that pay has not increased for a number of years and the impact this is having on the valuable service that interpreters provide. You will, however, be aware of the significant financial constraints within the wider Health Service.

There has been a number of correspondences to my office regarding this issue. As a result, I have asked the Strategic Planning and Performance Group to review the rate of pay for interpreters.

I will endeavour to do the best I can to come to a suitable resolution.