Pay boost for NHS employees

NHS Lanarkshire is leading the way after becoming the first Scottish health board to be accredited as a Livingwage employer.

The Livingwage commitment means all NHS Lanarkshire staff will receive a minimum hourly wage of £9.00 from April 1 next year.

Around 2,700 workers will receive a pay increase as a result.

The accreditation was presented to the board by Jeane Freeman, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport.

She said:“this commitment from NHS Lanarkshire to pay the real Livingwage will make a difference to many people who will receive an uplift in their salary as a result of this accreditation.

“Paying the real Livingwage is not only good for individuals and for employers, but also for the wider economy and I would encourage more health boards to follow suit.”

The new rate is significantly higher than the statutory minimum for over 25s of £7.83 per hour introduced in April 2018.

The real Livingwage is an hourly rate set independently, is updated annually and calculated according to the real cost of living.

Peter Kelly, director of the Poverty Alliance said:“we are delighted to congratulate NHS Lanarkshire on becoming a Livingwage employer.

“The real Livingwage is one of the key tools at our disposal to help make an impact both on levels of in-work poverty and in tackling health inequalities in Scotland.

“I hope more Scottish Health Boards follow NHS Lanarkshire’s lead by becoming accredited”.

Johnwhite, Director of Human Resources at NHS Lanarkshire, said:“our staff are without doubt our most valuable asset and are fundamental to the success of NHS Lanarkshire.tackling health inequality in Lanarkshire is one of our top priorities in improving the health of local people.

“With over 12,000 staff, we are one of the largest employers in the area and ensuring our employees are paid the real Livingwage, as well encouraging our contractors to do the same, will have a positive impact on addressing financial hardship in our communities.”