25.06.18
Almost 150,000 Scottish NHS staff offered 9% pay rise
NHS staff in Scotland have been offered a pay rise worth almost a tenth of their current salary, the Scottish Government has announced today.
Scottish health secretary Shona Robinson unveiled the 9% offer over three years for employees currently earning up to £80,000 as part of the highest NHS pay uplift being offered in the UK.
147,000 NHS staff who will receive the pay rise are the NHS ‘Agenda for Change’ staff, including all nurses, midwives, allied health professionals and paramedics, subject to agreements from the NHS Unions.
Health secretary Shona Robison said: “Our NHS is built on the dedication and hard work of healthcare staff up and down the country. They are our health service’s beating heart, and I’m proud to be offering them this significant pay rise in recognition for the work they do caring for the people of Scotland.
“We’re doing all we can to recruit new talent and retain existing staff, ensuring NHS Scotland has the right skills and experience to meet future demand and rising expectations. Today’s announcement will help make our NHS an attractive employment option for many.
By 2020/21, Scottish staff will be “significantly better paid” than anywhere else in the UK, according to the Scottish Government. Pay for an advanced nurse practitioner at the top of Band 7 will be over £1,500 more than their English counterpart.
“In this 70th anniversary year I am delighted that we have been able to offer NHS Scotland staff a pay settlement which not only matches NHS England deal - but exceeds it.”
RCN Scotland director Theresa Fyffe said the deal is “the best that can be achieved through negotiation at this time,” adding that members will have to decide whether to accept it or reject it.
A consultation will now be made to staff members, with a decision in August.
“We will be working hard over the coming weeks to make sure members have all the information they need to understand the deal on offer and how it affects them.
“It is vital that as many members take part in the consultation on the proposed deal,” she added.
Enjoying RTM? Subscribe here to receive our weekly news updates or click here to receive a copy of the magazine!