Tackling Low NHS Pay

Hundreds of NHS workers on the lowest pay band in Fife could receive a pay rise.

The Scottish Government has agreed to a review of the lowest pay bracket for domestics, catering assistants and porters.

NHS Scotland already pays the living wage but Unison Scotland says increasing all staff to band 2 would give them the opportunity to earn an extra £420 in the first year.

Tom Waterson Chair of UNISON Health Committee said: "This initiative with the Scottish Government is a major step forward to fulfilling our commitment and indeed Scottish Government’s commitment to improving the lives of our dedicated NHS staff. Further, to have done so without any disruption to our Health Service and our membership again shows what can be achieved when all the parties engage in partnership working.”   
 
Regional Organiser for NHS Glasgow and Clyde, Matt McLaughlin said: "Scotland's biggest Health Board worked actively with UNISON to invest in support staff, the result provided a higher salary for low paid workers, but it also ensured that the skills, flexibility, range of duties and of course recruitment and retention were significantly enhanced, providing many benefits for the health board and a direct benefit to patients."