Unite Members Accept 8% NHS Pay Increase in Scotland

Scotland's largest NHS unions, including Unison, Unite, and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), have accepted an 8% pay rise over two years for NHS staff, with increases of 4.25% this year and 3.75% next year. The pay deal includes an "inflation guarantee," ensuring salary increases remain at least 1% above the Consumer Price Index, and will cost the Scottish Government approximately £191 million. Union leaders have emphasized the importance of fair pay for recruiting and retaining skilled staff but warned that addressing staff shortages and wider working conditions remains critical to improving NHS services. Unite's lead negotiator highlighted that any attempts to renege on the inflation guarantee clause could trigger industrial action ballots. Health Secretary Neil Gray expressed satisfaction with the broad acceptance of the deal, noting it represents one of the best reward packages in the UK, and urged other healthcare workers to accept the offer. Despite the pay agreement, union representatives stressed the need for the government to act swiftly to implement wage rises and to address ongoing workforce challenges, including reducing excessive workloads.