UNISON recommends Scotland's NHS staff accept new pay offer as ballot launches

22nd February 2023

Scotland's largest health union, UNISON, has today (Wednesday 22 February 2023) began balloting its 50,000 health members on pay - with the union recommending members vote to accept the offer.

If accepted, the offer would see the majority of Scotland's health workers receive at least 6.5% increase on pay as well as a 1.5% one-off payment. If agreed, it would mean that over two years UNISON will have secured a pay rise of over 14 per cent for the majority of registered nurses and almost 20% for the lowest paid workers in the NHS.

The digital consultative ballot will run until noon on March 17.

Wilma Brown, chair of UNISON Scotland’s health committee, said: "Our consultative pay ballot has launched today and members should check their email for their ballot. Our branches and activists will be encouraging members to accept this pay offer.

"However members decide to vote it is important they have their say and we’re urging members to make sure they vote before noon on March 17."

Matt McLaughlin, UNISON Scotland’s head of health, said: "There’s a huge amount of work to do to get our NHS back to being world class again but this is a step in the right direction.

"We welcome the Scottish government’s commitment to review the agenda for change terms and conditions with a focus on recruitment, retention and rewarding health workers.

“We urge members to look out for their ballot paper and make sure they have their say on NHS pay."