Care workers in Edinburgh are still waiting for an “immediate” national pay rise promised four months ago.

healthandcare.scot has been told staff directly employed by the council received a pay increase when it was announced – but some employed by external providers are still waiting.

The Scottish Government announced a 3.3% pay increase in April as part of a package of measures to recognise the vital role of social care staff during the pandemic.

However Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (IJB) says implementing the uplift for external providers will leave it with a £3.4m funding gap and add to existing financial challenges. But the IJB is now expected to approve the increase next week.

In papers published ahead of a meeting of the IJB next Monday, it says when the financial plan was prepared for the year 2020-2021, it was assumed the costs associated with the policy would be funded in full by government.

However only 0.8% was provided, as the government expected areas would have already planned for a 2.5% pay increase.

Any difference between the money available and the cost of implementation would increase the IJB’s savings target, currently sitting at £15.9m.

The IJB says several meetings have taken place with Scottish government officials to discuss the issue over recent months.

But it adds: “However, despite these best efforts, it is now clear that no further funding will be provided.

“Accordingly the board is now in a position that implementing the national uplift with the consequent uplift in workers’ pay will add £3.4m to the existing financial challenge.

“Despite this, it is recommended that the board now directs the council to implement the 3.3% uplift.

“This proposal reflects the board’s recognition of the work all health and social care staff make towards keeping vulnerable people in our city safe. A contribution which has been clearly demonstrated by the workforce’s response to dealing with the challenges of covid-19.”

The papers also note that failing to implement the rise would put Edinburgh “out of step” with the national agreement and could impact on the quality of care being provided.

It adds: “Providers would face challenges in meeting the living wage requirements and many could only do so by making offsetting efficiencies elsewhere in their operations.

“This in turn is likely to impact on the quality and/or volume of service with negative consequences for outcomes.”

A spokesperson for Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership said: “We recognise the importance of compensating health and social care workers suitably for the key roles they undertake.”

Supporters – If you can help support our reporting for Scotland's health and social care community, please head to our donations page.

Bulletin – Sign up for all the latest news and events.