The NHS union, UNISON, has today (Thursday) submitted a joint pay claim for NHS workers in Scotland, together with other unions.
The pay claim calls for the Scottish Government to make a significantly above inflation pay rise to address rising fuel and household costs; planned tax and national insurance increases; and to recover lost earnings due to years of real terms pay cuts.
NHS Scotland is facing a staffing crisis. An above inflation pay increase for all NHS staff is essential to stem the flow of staff leaving NHS Scotland; begin to support the retention of current staff and improve recruitment into the growing number of vacancies across NHS Scotland.
Wilma Brown, chair of UNISON Scotland health committee, said: “UNISON members across our NHS in Scotland have worked tirelessly. Our communities and political leaders seemed happy enough to recognise our members commitment to patients during the pandemic, it is now time for the Scottish Government to back that recognition up and make a realistic offer on pay.”
Matt McLaughlin, UNISON Scotland head of health, said: “NHS workers have faced years of real terms pay cuts and with inflation rising and increasing uncertainty around the cost of living it is essential that the Scottish Government step up and protect NHS services and NHS workers. Its time to value our NHS workers and give them the fair pay deal they deserve.”
Notes
UNISON is the largest NHS union representing workforce across the sector.
The pay claims has been submitted by the joint trade unions and covers the period April 2022-2023.
NHS Scotland staff expect pay increase to apply from a minimum of 1 April 2022.
See the staff side pay claim in full here
UNISON Contacts
Danny Phillips, communications officer: 07944 664110