Scotland’s biggest public service trade union has voiced anger over what it describes as the Scottish government’s “failure” to deliver on pay for NHS workers this year.

UNISON is to hold a consultative ballot with NHS workers on industrial action after talks with the Scottish government broke down.

Speaking after a meeting of the union’s health committee, UNISON’s head of health Willie Duffy said: “UNISON members are disappointed and angry that the Scottish government has failed to deliver on pay for NHS workers this year – despite assurances from both the Health Secretary and the First Minister.”

The Scottish government denies that talks have broken down.

A spokesperson said it was “disappointing” the union was considering industrial action before negotiations had even begun.

Mr Duffy said: “They are happy to praise our NHS workers and offer warm words on pay but are unable to back that up by putting money into the pockets of our hard-working and devoted NHS staff.

“The last thing our members want to do at this time is disrupt NHS services, but more than a month on from our talks with Health Secretary Jeane Freeman we are no further forward.

“The Scottish government has failed to deliver on pay for our NHS workers and we feel we have been left with no other choice.”

Tom Waterston, chair of UNISON Scotland’s health committee, said: “Our dedicated NHS staff have suffered real-term pay cuts over the last decade with significant extra costs over this pandemic.

“This includes extra childcare costs because they are working extra shifts; extra transport costs because of restricted public transport; extra costs because they have being isolating from family; or even extra laundry costs and buying personal PPE.

“Our politicians are quick to praise the hard work and dedication of our NHS workers who have gone above and beyond during this pandemic, but unfortunately clapping doesn’t pay their bills.

“These are just ordinary people thrust into an extraordinary situation and they trusted the Scottish government to recognise them fairly.

“Disappointingly this hasn’t happened and the time has run out for warm words. We urge Health Secretary Jeane Freeman to meet with us as a matter of urgency and get this resolved – we need to pay up now for health workers.”

A government spokesperson said: “The Scottish government remains absolutely committed to delivering the fairest pay deal possible for health staff in 2021-22. 

“It is disappointing to hear that Unison intend to proceed with a vote on a consultative ballot before negotiations have even begun. 

“Talks have not broken down and we remain in active discussions with all parties through the Scottish Terms and Conditions Committee, and have been meeting frequently, most recently on 19^th October, to conclude a negotiating mandate in order that a formal pay negotiation can begin.

“The Cabinet Secretary for Health has reaffirmed her commitment to expedite negotiations and to consider bringing forward the agreed pay settlement to an earlier juncture if it is possible to conclude negotiations before the start of the new financial year.” 

A campaign was launched in August by the Royal College of Nursing calling for nurses to receive a 12.5% pay rise.  

 

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