Thousands of NHS staff are being urged to vote to accept the Scottish government’s two-year pay offer in a ballot being issued today, says UNISON (Tuesday).
The offer, which is 4.25% for this year and 3.75% for 2026/27, also includes an ‘inflation guarantee’.
This means NHS staff in Scotland will be paid 1% above the average CPI rate of inflation if it increases.
UNISON Scotland’s co-lead for health Matt McLaughlin said: “The union’s health committee believes this is the best that can be achieved through negotiations. That’s why the recommendation to NHS workers is that they vote to accept the offer in the consultative ballot. But of course, UNISON members always have the final say.
“As it stands, the offer is worth 8% over two years. If inflation rises during this time, the deal gives some protection with a guarantee of 1% above the average CPI rate.
“Staff know more than anyone that there are still big problems in the NHS with long waiting lists and the ongoing staffing crisis. UNISON will continue to campaign for improvements to the NHS but in the meantime health workers are urged to accept.”
Notes to editors:
-Following pay talks between UNISON, other health unions and cabinet secretary for health Neil Gray, unions received a formal and final written offer from the Scottish government. Details on the offer are here. It’s a two-year offer and breaks down as:
· 2025/26 – a pay rise to all staff, including to allowances of 4.25%
· 2026/27 – a pay rise to all staff, including to allowances of 3.75%
-The offer includes an ‘inflation guarantee’, which means that, if accepted, in each year of this deal pay would increase by at least 1% above the calendar year average CPI inflation rate.
-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.