Two NHS Scotland unions accept 7.5% pay deal

Members of two major NHS unions in Scotland have voted to accept an improved pay offer.

This ends the risk of strike action in the health service by members of Unison and Unite.

But a ballot of Royal College of Nursing members is ongoing and closes on 19 December.

The Scottish government made an improved pay deal averaging 7.5% to health workers threatening industrial action last month.

The offer will see most NHS staff in Scotland get a rise of just over £2,200 a year.

Unite confirmed 64% of its health membership voted to accept the proposal which was tabled following talks involving unions, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Health Secretary Humza Yousaf and NHS Scotland.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: "The improved offer for NHS Scotland workers which is worth over 11% for the lowest pay bands is a testament to the resolve of our members.

"They were prepared to take the difficult step in taking industrial action but only because they had no other option left.

"Unite makes no apologies for fighting for better jobs, pay and conditions in the health service because NHS Scotland workers should be fairly rewarded for the outstanding work that they do day in and day out."

Unison, Scotland's largest NHS union, announced that 57% of health members voted to accept the offer after a digital ballot closed at noon.

The union said negotiators would now work with the Scottish government, NHS employers and other unions to process the pay award as soon as possible.

Wilma Brown, chairwoman of Unison's Scotland's health committee said: "Whilst this decision ends the immediate threat of industrial action, it is not a win for government - it is a warning.

"It was far from a unanimous decision and many of the NHS professional grades feel badly let down.

"Almost half of Unison NHS staff voted to reject this latest pay offer, and many who did vote to accept, did so reluctantly."

Last month the RCN, which has yet to confirm strike dates after members across the UK voted for action, said the new offer "still does not meet our members' expectations".

It had asked for at least 5% above inflation, which is currently 11.1%.

The Scottish government previously said the new deal was a "record high pay offer" for front-line employees, including nurses, paramedics, allied health professionals and healthcare support staff.

Annual pay rises under the latest deal would range from a flat rate payment of £2,205 for staff in Bands 1 to 4 and up to £2,660 for staff in Bands 5 to 7, backdated to April.

This represents an increase of 11.3% for the lowest paid workers and delivers an average uplift of 7.5%, a government spokesperson said.