A new rota system being introduced for nurses in north Wales could result in staff working an extra unpaid shift each month, it has been claimed.

Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board is behind the changes, which it says are designed to standardise shift patterns, break times and handover periods.

However, employees say the proposals suggested by external consultants PricewaterhouseCoopers would mean a nurse currently working 12 and a half hours will now be unpaid for an hour of their time.

The move is expected to affect thousands of nurses and healthcare support workers in secondary care across the region, who would need to work extra hours to make up for the loss of some of their paid breaks.

North Wales AM Llyr Gruffydd said some staff he had spoken to were considering quitting their jobs if it goes ahead.

The Plaid Cymru politician said: “Concerned nurses have contacted us because this proposal will backfire badly on the health board.

“The loss of goodwill among thousands of nurses who are already working under immense pressures will probably make matters worse.

“I want BCUHB to reconsider this proposal. It is causing anxiety among staff who don’t need further stress in their working lives.”

Many nurses currently take their breaks on wards or units and are effectively on call in an emergency.

But Mr Gruffydd warned the changes could lead to the loss of goodwill as staff choose to take their breaks elsewhere.

A petition has been launched against the move by Unite the Union, which has gathered more than 1,300 signatures.

Union officials said it would affect those working in secondary care as well as on children’s wards and at community hospitals.

They said: “Unite believes the proposed rosters will have a detrimental effect on the work-life balance of our members.”

In response to the concerns raised, a senior figure from Betsi Cadwaladr said some elements of the current rota system did not protect the safety of staff and patients.

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