The Scottish Executive has confirmed to practice managers that the lowest paid NHS staff north of the border will share an extra £1.1m in a bid to improve wages.
The money is part of a £52m package for the whole UK unveiled by the Department of Health (DH), and will boost the pay of clinical assistants, cleaners and auxiliary workers.
This cash is on top of the £18.7m bill for not staggering a 2.5% pay increase for healthcare staff in Scotland.
Health minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Following discussions between the UK health departments, NHS Employers, and the health trades unions, I have agreed to endorse an improved pay package for NHS Scotland staff.
“This demonstrates the Scottish government’s commitment to rewarding all staff fairly while paying particular attention to the needs of those at the lower end of the NHS pay spectrum.”
Unison is still set to ballot 450,000 of its members throughout the UK over whether they are prepared to accept the deal.
However, Ms Sturgeon added: “We implemented the 2.5% pay rise in Scotland while continuing to participate in UK level discussions aimed at addressing a number of concerns raised by the health trades unions.
“As a result, I believe the new package represents a fair deal for hard working staff throughout the NHS in Scotland.”
Copyright © PA Business 2007
