Latest news with #JamesOConnell
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Scottish NHS workers accept 8% pay rise from SNP government - after nurses in England threaten industrial action over proposed 3% increase
NHS staff in Scotland have voted to accept an inflation-busting 8 per cent pay increase over the next two years. Nurses, midwives, ambulance workers, and non-medics including those in estates and porters, will get a 4.25 per cent rise this year and a 3.75 per cent uplift next year. The deal will cost the Scottish Government an extra £191 million, and also comes with an 'inflation guarantee', which would ensure pay increases will always stay at least 1 per cent above the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate. The deal was accepted by both Unite and Union union members today. James O'Connell, Unite's lead negotiator for the health sector, warned that any attempts to row back on the commitment to keeping pay deals above inflation would see members balloted for strike action. The announcement comes as the Royal College of Midwives also accepted the Scottish Government's offer this week. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) also announced its members in the NHS had voted for the deal, with 94 per cent in favour. But it also comes weeks after the NHS Pay Review Body recommended a pay rise of about 3 per cent for nurses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for the year 2025-26. Nurses staged unprecedented industrial action over pay in 2022 and 2023 and the Royal College of Nursing has already hinted at industrial action. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'Unite members across NHS Scotland have accepted the pay offer over two years on the basis it is the best negotiable deal. 'It's a pay deal which ultimately helps us build better jobs, pay and conditions for workers across the NHS.' Mr O'Connell added: 'The offer includes a critical clause which ensures pay remains inflation proof. 'If there is any attempt to renege on this clause then Unite will automatically hold an industrial action ballot.' While the deal was accepted, Unison Scotland head of health Matt McLaughlin insisted there is 'no room for complacency' from the Government, saying ministers must also tackle staff shortages in the NHS. Health Secretary Neil Gray said: 'I am pleased that Unite members have voted overwhelmingly to accept this pay offer. 'If accepted by trade unions collectively, this means that Unite members in NHS Scotland will continue to benefit from the best reward package in the UK.
The Independent
15-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Unite members accept 8% NHS pay deal
Members of the Unite trade union working in the NHS have voted to accept an 8% pay increase over the next two years. The deal will see a 4.25% rise this year and a 3.75% uplift next year for staff, including those in the ambulance service, estates and porters, costing the Scottish Government an extra £191 million. It also features an 'inflation guarantee', which would ensure pay increases will always stay at least 1% above the Consumer Price Index rate. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'Unite members across NHS Scotland have accepted the pay offer over two years on the basis it is the best negotiable deal. 'It's a pay deal which ultimately helps us build better jobs, pay and conditions for workers across the NHS.' James O'Connell, the union's lead negotiator for the health sector, warned that any attempts to row back on the commitment to keeping pay deals above inflation would see members balloted for strike action. 'Unite delivered a credible pay offer for our valued NHS workers which they have overwhelmingly supported,' he said. 'The offer includes a critical clause which ensures pay remains inflation proof. 'If there is any attempt to renege on this clause then Unite will automatically hold an industrial action ballot. 'The challenges facing NHS Scotland are not just about pay but the wider working conditions and extra investment. 'The Scottish Government and NHS executives must resolve the reduction in the working week as previously agreed to. Our members are exhausted and beyond breaking point.' The announcement comes as the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) also accepted the Scottish Government's offer this week. Responding to the decision by midwives, Health Secretary Neil Gray said: 'I am pleased that RCM members have voted overwhelmingly to accept this pay offer. 'If accepted by trade unions collectively, this means that midwives in NHS Scotland will continue to benefit from the best reward package in the UK. 'I hope all other healthcare staff who will benefit from this pay offer choose to accept.'
