Talks on NHS pay rise were ‘constructive’

Talks between the Scottish Government health secretary and a union campaigning for NHS workers to receive a pay rise have been hailed as “constructive”.

Jeane Freeman met Unison members after their “pay up now” campaign for NHS Scotland staff.

The union has previously said workers have incurred extra costs as a result of the pandemic and need a pay rise.

A series of socially distanced demonstrations were held across Scotland yesterday reiterating calls for the threeyear NHS pay deal to be renegotiated. Tam Waterson, chairman of Unison Scotland’s health committee, said: “Our members should be proud of themselves today for turning out in force to show the strength of feeling among the country’s health workers.

“These are just ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances who have gone above and beyond to keep us all safe.

“Their voices have not gone unheard and the health secretary said she has taken their concerns on board and is open to exploring all available options.”