9% pay rise for NHS nursing staff

Scottish nurses, midwives and paramedics are to be offered a minimum 9% pay rise over the next three years.

If agreed with the unions, staff earning up to £80,000 will receive a minimum cumulative rise of 9%, with those earning more receiving a flat rate increase of £1,600 a year.

The Scottish Government said its proposals would benefit 147,000 staff under the health services' agenda for change pay system but would be linked to reforms to terms and conditions.

This could include updating policies on sick leave and time-off for those who have worked extra hours as well as wider organisational change.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a 3% pay rise this year for most NHS staff at the SNP conference earlier this month.

The government said the proposals would mean that by 2020/21 NHS Scotland staff would be significantly better paid than their counterparts elsewhere in the UK.

Health Secretary Shona Robison said: "Our NHS is built on the dedication and hard work of healthcare staff up and down the country.

"They are our health service's beating heart, and I'm proud to be offering them this significant pay rise in recognition for the work they do caring for the people of Scotland.

"We were the first government in the UK to lift the pay cap, and today I can confirm we intend to deliver a pay rise of at least 9% to our hardworking NHS 'Agenda for Change' staff over the next three years.

"We're doing all we can to recruit new talent and retain existing staff, ensuring NHS Scotland has the right skills and experience to meet future demand and rising expectations. Today's announcement will help make our NHS an attractive employment option for many.

"In this 70th anniversary year I am delighted that we have been able to offer NHS Scotland staff a pay settlement which not only matches NHS England deal - but exceeds it."

Emma Currer, the Royal College of Midwives Scotland Lead Negotiator, said: “This is a good deal for our midwife and maternity support worker members. It will see them getting a real increase in their pay across all the pay bands after years of pay freezes and stagnation.

“This is something the RCM and other unions have been fighting for. This is a good deal and one that we believe is the best that can be achieved in the current economic climate.

“However, we also see this as the starting point for better pay for NHS staff, not the end point. We will be opening a consultation with our members on this very soon. I would encourage members to respond to this and it is a deal that I encourage our members to accept.

• NHS