Commenting on Scottish health secretary’s announcement that he will not reduce the working week, until April 2026 UNISON Scotland co-lead for health Matt McLaughlin said: “Neil Gray has blown any credibility and trust he had with NHS workers. He has walked away from an agreement his government made in 2023. Reducing the working week would have helped retain staff.
“UNISON has been working with NHS employers to identify and mitigate risks. Mr Gray’s suggestions that reducing the working week could affect patient care and attempts to reduce waiting lists makes no sense. The NHS was under significant strain when the government agreed this plan.
“Have staffing levels and waiting lists become so bad under the health secretary’s watch that he has to turn to this desperate measure?
“Hard working NHS staff should not be paying the price for his failures.”
Notes to editors:
–UNISON is the largest health union, representing over 60,000 NHS staff in Scotland including nurses, midwives, call handlers, paramedics, administrators, allied professional staff, caterers, porters and facilities staff.
– Cabinet Secretary for Health & Social Care Neil Gray has written to UNISON to confirm the remaining 60 minute reduction will come into effect on 1 April 2026.