The 5% pay rise announced for NHS Agenda for Change staff by the Scottish government in June has been described as a pay cut in real terms by Unite.
The increase would be the largest single-year increase since Scottish devolution was introduced, but it comes when the broader cost of living has hit a 40-year high of 11.1%.
The government’s deal would affect more than 160,000 employees, with pay rises ranging from £1000 to £2400, backdated to 1 April 2022.
But Unite will consult its members on rejecting the offer – and on a potential industrial action ballot – throughout July.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: ‘The Scottish Government needs to return with an acceptable offer or face potential industrial action by our members, who will have the full support of their union in this fight for fair pay.’
Image credit | Alamy
