Unions representing healthcare workers in Dumfries and Galloway have accepted a new pay deal.
Members of Unison, Unite and the Royal College of Nursing Scotland have all opted to take the 5.5 per cent on offer from the Scottish Government.
Unison Scotland lead organiser, Matt McLaughlin, said: “Unison represents almost two fifths of NHS workers and has secured the best deal currently possible. But acceptance of this offer should not lead to complacency from the Scottish Government. If ministers are serious about recognising and rewarding NHS staff for the incredible job they do, they need to be far better at dealing with the annual pay round. There’s considerable anger that it’s taken 200 days to get an offer on the table and hard-working staff won’t see a bump in their pay until at least the end of October.”
The deal will affect Agenda For Change staff including porters, administrators and nurses – but not doctors.
RCN Scotland board chair, Julie Lamberth, said: “The 5.5 per cent pay increase does not make up for the years of being undervalued but it is another step on the journey to fair pay.
“Our campaign continues. We know the lack of recogition and relentless pressure on our NHS services has left many considering their future in the profession. The link between low pay, staff shortages and patient safety remains.”
Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, added: “Unite’s thousands of members working in NHS Scotland have overwhelmingly backed a good pay offer which has been successfully negotiated by their union.