NHS staff in Scotland offered a 4% pay rise

More than 154,000 NHS Scotland staff are to be offered a pay rise of at least 4% in a deal from the Scottish Government.

The pay rise would include nurses, paramedics, allied health professionals, as well as domestic, healthcare support staff, porters and other front line health workers.

Staff on pay bands one to seven would receive at least a 4% pay rise compared with 2020/21, with workers earning less than £25,000 in 2020/21 guaranteed a minimum increase of more than £1,000 in 2021/22.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman explained: “Following positive discussions with NHS unions and employees the Scottish Government has put forward an offer of the biggest single pay uplift since devolution for NHS Agenda for Change staff.

Front line NHS workers. Picture: Picture Michael Gillen/JPIMedia

“Over 154,000 staff would benefit from this rise, which would see the average pay of an front line NHS Nurse rise by over £1,200 a year. This deal also includes support staff such as domestic staff, porters and health care support workers, the backbone of our services, who would see pay

rises of over £1,000 – uplifts of between 4% - 5.4%. The uplift will be backdated from 1 December 2020, rather than the usual 1 April 2021, meaning all those covered by the deal will receive an extra benefit.

“This has been an exceptionally challenging year for our health service and I am pleased that the Scottish Government is able to recognise the service and dedication of our healthcare staff.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “Our NHS staff deserve more than applause and 1% is not enough."

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