The NHS has announced that North Central London Integrated Care Board (ICB) and North West London Integrated Care Board will formally merge to create a new organisation called West and North London Integrated Care Board (WNL ICB).
While the merger aims to improve efficiency and streamline healthcare leadership across the region, organisational changes of this scale often have significant implications for staff. For many employees, restructuring can bring uncertainty around job security and may result in voluntary redundancy offers or settlement agreements.
In this article, we explain what the merger means and what NHS staff should know if they are affected.
Why the Integrated Care Boards Are Merging
Integrated Care Boards were introduced as part of NHS reforms to better coordinate healthcare services across regions. Their role is to bring together hospitals, GPs, community services and local authorities to improve how healthcare is planned and delivered.
The merger between North Central London and North West London ICBs is intended to simplify management structures and reduce duplication across the two organisations. By combining leadership and operational teams, the NHS hopes to deliver services more efficiently across a larger area of London.
However, where organisations merge, there are often overlapping roles within administrative and leadership structures, which can lead to workforce restructuring.
Could There Be Redundancies?
Following the merger announcement, the new structure has identified a potential reduction in headcount, meaning some roles may be placed at risk of redundancy.
In situations like this, organisations may offer employees the option of voluntary redundancy before beginning a formal redundancy process. This approach can allow employees to leave with an enhanced financial package while reducing the need for compulsory redundancies.
For many employees, voluntary redundancy may be accompanied by a settlement agreement.
What Is a Settlement Agreement?
A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract between an employer and employee which usually sets out the terms of an employee leaving their role.
These agreements often include:
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A redundancy payment (including statutory and enhanced elements)
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Payment for any unused annual leave
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Notice pay
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Confidentiality terms
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A waiver of potential legal claims against the employer
Employees must receive independent legal advice before signing a settlement agreement, which ensures they understand the terms and the legal rights they may be giving up.
Employers typically contribute towards the legal fees for this advice.
What Should NHS Staff Consider Before Signing?
If you are offered voluntary redundancy and a settlement agreement as part of the ICB restructuring, it is important to review the terms carefully.
Some key questions to consider include:
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Is the financial package fair and appropriate for your length of service?
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Are all payments you are entitled to included?
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Are there any restrictive clauses affecting future employment?
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Does the agreement properly reflect the reason for your departure?
Independent legal advice can help you understand your position and ensure the agreement protects your interests.
How Attwells Solicitors Is Supporting NHS Staff
Attwells Solicitors has extensive experience advising employees on settlement agreements and redundancy matters. As such, we understand the context of the current changes and the issues employees may face during this process.
Speak to Attwells Solicitors
If you are an NHS employee affected by the merger and your role has been placed at risk of redundancy, or you have been offered a settlement agreement, it is important to seek independent legal advice before signing.
Attwells Solicitors can:
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Review and explain your settlement agreement
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Ensure the compensation offered is fair
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Negotiate improved terms where possible
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Provide the independent legal advice required for the agreement to be valid
Our Baker Street employment solicitors are already acting for several NHS staff, so if you are affected by these changes, our team is well placed to help.
If you have received a settlement agreement, click the link below to submit it to our team and instruct Attwells Solicitors today for independent legal advice.
