Mr. Andy Pike:

In a way, it could be seen as a barrier. It is the retention of SNAs that is more of an issue than recruitment at the moment. Over the years, perhaps the recruitment of SNAs has just been something the Department did not have to worry about but in an economy with full employment, this could well be a problem with regard to labour supply. It is something the Department should really begin to look at.

We worry about an SNA who has done all the courses and is very skilled and ambitious but for whom there is nowhere to go. At the moment, there is nothing else for them to do to improve their practice for the benefit of students. We do have a claim pending for posts of responsibility for SNAs and if that can be delivered, it would be the first promotional outlet or opportunity for SNAs we have ever seen.