NHS staff to be offered minimum 9%payrise

CONDITIONS: Nurses, paramedics and midwives to get increase over three years

Nurses, midwives and paramedics are to be offered a minimum 9% pay rise over the next three years.

The Scottish Government said its proposals would benefit 147,000 employees under the health services’ agenda for change pay system but would be linked to reforms to terms and conditions.

This could include updating policies on sick leave and time off for those who have worked extra hours as well as wider organisational change.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a 3% pay rise this year for most NHS staff at the SNP conference earlier this month.

If agreed with the unions, and following a consultation with staff, employees earning up to £80,000 will receive a minimum cumulative rise of 9%, with those earning more receiving a flat rate increase of £1,600 a year.

The government said the proposals would mean that by 2020-21 NHS Scotland staff would be significantly better paid than their counterparts elsewhere in the UK.

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 were the first government in the UK to lift the pay cap, and today I can confirm we intend to deliver a pay rise of at least 9% to our hardworking NHS ‘Agenda for Change’ staff over the next three years.

“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.

“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.”

Emma Currer, Royal College of Midwives Scotland lead negotiator, said: “This is a good deal for our midwife and maternity support worker members.

“It will see them getting a real increase in their pay across all the pay bands after years of pay freezes and stagnation,” she added.

“This is something the RCM and other unions have been fighting for.

“This is a good deal and one that we believe is the best that can be achieved in the current economic climate.”

Scottish Conservative health spokesman Miles Briggs said the pay rise was possible “thanks to the record NHS resources the UK Government has given the SNP government”.

“The SNP has made Scottish nurses earning over £26,000 pay higher taxes than their English counterparts so it was clear that a greater uplift was needed to cover this,” he said.

Scottish Labour’s Anas Sarwar said: “While any pay increase is welcome, we need a longer term agreement that restores the value of pay and rewards our amazing NHS staff.

“It is essential that the SNP government get round the table with trade unions to negotiate a longer term settlement that respects the rights of NHS employees and rewards them for the fantastic work they do.”

Scottish Conservative health spokesman Miles Briggs said the pay rise was possible “thanks to the record NHS resources the UK Government has given the SNP government”.