PAY talks between the Scottish Government and unions representing NHS staff “did not make any progress”, it has been claimed.
Unions met with Health Secretary Humza Yousaf and Deputy First Minister John Swinney on Wednesday, amid the threat of strikes over the winter period.
On Wednesday, Yousaf told the PA news agency he was putting a “significantly improved offer” to NHS staff later that day in a bid to avert walkouts.
But Wilma Brown, chair of Unison’s health committee, said she has written to members urging them to back strike action, adding: “We are disappointed that talks did not make any progress yesterday and that we are still so far apart.
READ MORE: Could Liz Truss face a no confidence vote? MPs 'sulphurous' following 1922 Committee meeting
“We are stressing to Unison members to make sure they return their strike ballot as soon as possible.
“We need to send a strong message to the Scottish Government that NHS staff deserve a fair pay deal.”
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) also said that a significantly improved offer was not forthcoming during the meeting.
Unions rejected a 5% pay deal in August, with the RCN campaigning for an offer that is 5% above inflation, currently at 9.9%.
It is understood the discussions included what could be affordable to the Scottish Government, which is facing budgetary pressures as a result of the cost-of-living crisis and other public sector pay deals.
It is not clear what the new offer put to the unions included.
READ MORE: We're offering a year-long subscription – at any price you can afford
Unions have agreed to continue discussions, with a date for the next meeting still to be set.
RCN Scotland director Colin Poolman said: “It shouldn’t take the very real prospect of strike action for the Scottish Government to return to the negotiating table.
“For too long the Scottish Government has expected nursing staff to do more for less.
“Our members and our NHS are at breaking point. Fair pay is essential for ensuring safe patient care, for retaining our experienced nursing staff and for recruiting into our profession.
“Our members have made it clear that yet another pay cut is not acceptable. Our strike ballot continues, and I urge every eligible member to cast their vote now.”
Yousaf said: “I am grateful to NHS trade unions for meeting with both the Deputy First Minister and I. We have agreed with the staff side and employers to continue our discussions.”
Unison began balloting its 50,000 members for strike action last week – recommending they back walkouts – while the Royal College of Midwives in Scotland opened its vote last month.
Unite also announced plans for a “targeted” balloting of 2,500 staff across Scotland, including the entirety of the Scottish Ambulance Service workforce.
Radiographers in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde – except those working in cancer care at the Beatson hospital and in breast screening to protect the service in the event of a strike – will be part of the ballot.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel