UNISON NHS members have voted overwhelmingly to accept the SNP Government’s 4% pay increase, which will see the majority of NHS workers receive a 4% pay rise backdated to 01 December 2020.
In response, Boris Johnson once again doubled down on the UK Tory Government’s decision to offer NHS staff in England no more than a 1% pay rise.
UNISON, Scotland’s largest NHS union, announced the result of its ballot on Wednesday and says it will now be calling on the incoming Health Secretary to implement the pay deal as soon as possible.
UNISON’s Head of Health, Willie Duffy, said:
“This pay rise represents a fair increase for our members and means the majority of our NHS staff will receive a pay increase of at least 4%, backdated to December.
“The fact that 84% of those who took part in the ballot voted in favour of the pay offer shows how much this pay increase means to our members. Scotland’s health workers go above and beyond to keep our NHS services running – not just during the pandemic but each and every day – and we’re delighted to have secured them a fair pay increase.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP added:
“I am delighted to see the SNP Government’s proposal for a 4% pay rise being overwhelmingly accepted by Scotland’s NHS workers.
“In stark contrast, Boris Johnson is telling English NHS staff they are ‘heroic’ but the UK Government can’t afford to offer more than a 1% pay rise due to ‘tough times’. We will be hearing the phrase ‘tough times’ a lot more, as the Tory Chancellor has already indicated he has plans to impose further austerity on Scotland.
“Scotland doesn’t need to be part of this. Only because we have our own NHS and health is devolved to an SNP Government, is this 4% pay rise happening. Imagine what else could be done if we had the decisions in our own hands.”
The pay deal will be backdated to 01 December and will see health workers on Agenda for Change (AfC) pay bands 5-7 given a 4% uplift for 2021/22. Staff on bands 1-4 who currently earn £24,973 or less will receive a flat rise of £1,009, while staff on the highest bands 8-9 will receive an increase of 2% or less.
UNISON is Scotland’s largest NHS trade union. UNISON members on Agenda for Change pay grades were eligible to take part in the ballot. Almost 50,000 members were balloted and 35% voted – with 84% voting to accept the pay deal.
ENDS
