Talks on overnight care decision set to begin

Negotiations between the Government, health and disability providers and unions are set to be held over a controversial decision allowing 'overnight' care workers the minimum wage.

The Court of Appeal last month upheld an Employment Court ruling that support worker Phil Dickson, who was employed by IHC subsidiary Idea Services, should be paid minimum wage while doing a sleepover.

It said sleepovers constituted work under the Minimum Wage Act because significant responsibility and restrictions were imposed on workers while on sleepovers.

Health Minister Tony Ryall said the ruling could cost the Government $500 million and hinted that it could force a law change.

Idea Services had appealed the ruling to the Supreme Court.

Kelvin Moffatt, Acting Director of the National Services Purchasing for National Health Board, this afternoon confirmed there would be negotiations on payments for overnight workers.

Discussions are due to start on Friday, he said.

- NZ Herald staff