Scotland’s health trade unions have agreed to commence formal pay negotiations with the Scottish Government and NHS employers from this week.
The group wrote to the Cabinet Secretary last week to express their anger and disappointment at the process that led to the Scottish Government’s announcement that NHS pay negotiations would not take place until the summer.
The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, Jeane Freeman MSP, met with the staff side representatives of the Scottish Terms and Conditions Committee (STAC) this week and agreed to commence negotiations immediately. Terms of reference for the negotiations are being confirmed.
Willie Duffy, Staffside Secretary of STAC and Unison Regional Organiser said: “We had a constructive meeting with the Cabinet Secretary and are pleased that she responded so quickly to our concerns and request to review her previous decision. This past year has shone a spotlight on NHS staff, their dedication, their skill and the sacrifices they have made in responding to the pandemic. We will be making the case for the value of this contribution to be recognised in their pay packets.”
Colin Poolman, Chair of STAC and Royal College of Nursing Scotland Senior Officer said: “Our members are clear that it is simply not good enough to push negotiations to the summer and blame the UK Government for the delay. Yesterday the Finance Secretary committed to ‘going further to deliver a fair pay deal’ for NHS staff. We are looking forward to getting round the table with the government and employers to negotiate the detail.”
Notes to editors:
This has been issued on behalf of the NHS Scotland staff side representatives of the Scottish Terms and Conditions Committee.
The Scottish Terms and Conditions Committee staff side for Agenda for Change includes representatives from the following health trade unions: British Dietetic Association, College of Podiatry, Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, GMB, Prison Officers Association, Royal College of Nursing, Royal College of Midwives, Society of Radiographers, UNISON, Unite the Union.
Contact Details:
Willie Duffy , Staff side Secretary of STAC, please contact 07904 342129
Colin Poolman, Staff side Chair of STAC, please contact the RCN Scotland press office on 0131 662 6173 or press.scot@rcn.org.uk.
Danny Philips, Communication Officer 07944 644 110 d.phillips@unison.co.uk Trisha Hamilton, Communications Officer 07943507307 t.hamilton@unison.co.uk