A HEALTH union is on the warpath after reports that NHS employers in the North-East have told their staff they have been overpaid and must now repay thousands of pounds.

In response to reports from all over the region, the Royal College of Nursing’s Northern Regional office has warned NHS chiefs it is consulting with its lawyers.

It followed “a growing number of reports” from nurses and health care assistants who have received demands for part repayment of salaries, due to employers allegedly miscalculating payments.

The RCN said some nurses and health care assistants have received demands for repayments of over £1,000 pounds for alleged overpayments dating back six years - but have only been given 30 days’ notice by their employer to arrange repayment.

Greg Canning, senior officer for the RCN said: “It seems curious to say the least that all of a sudden we are seeing a flurry of employers claiming that they have overpaid their staff for the last six years, and we have as yet seen no evidence from them as to whether these claims are in fact genuine.

The RCN official said there seems to have been no examples of nurses and health care assistants being underpaid by the employer.

“We’re concerned that this is just an attempt to save money and we are advising all of our members not to agree repayment plans until they have first contacted us for professional advice.”

The RCN official said recent central government financial settlements have put the NHS under “incredible financial strain” but as NHS Trusts become increasingly desperate to save money, it is “wrong to put the burden on to front line nurses and HCAs.”

Mr Canning said the situation is causing RCN members distress and anxiety.

“Each case needs to be looked at individually to assess its merits, but where there is sufficient evidence that the employers have acted inappropriately, we will seek legal advice,”

Members of the RCN who are nurses or health care assistants who have received demands for repayment are being asked to contact the RCN helpline as soon as possible, by calling 0345 772 6100 between 8am and 8pm.