The PDA welcomes the Scottish government’s decision to make a final offer matching the 5.5% awarded to NHS workers in other parts of the UK.
Unlike the rest of the UK, NHS Scotland pay increases are determined through direct negotiations between the Scottish government and the NHS trade unions. They are however, informed and guided by the recommendations of the NHS Pay review Body (PRB).
This offer, which the Scottish government describes as their final offer, replicates the main recommendation of the NHS Pay Review Body, accepted in full by the Westminster government and already implemented in England. Agenda for Change pay rates in Scotland have been the highest across the four nations for some time as a result of direct negotiations with the trade unions, and this increase ensures this remains the case.
The PDA had submitted evidence to the NHS pay review body in February 2024 and has thus been able to influence NHS pay for all members across the UK. The recommendations in the PDA’s evidence included that the PDA firmly believed that the circumstances this year, meant the government should enable an award above inflation, and that to do so would be fair, affordable, justifiable, and essential in the case of pharmacists. This was the first time the NHS PRB had received evidence directly relating to pharmacists.
This offer therefore meets the PDA’s call and is significantly above overall inflation rates and so it is a real terms rise. Although the Scottish government have not sought to make an offer higher than that recommended by the NHS PRB this year, the PDA Union welcomes the offer and urges the decision makers in Northern Ireland and Wales to follow suit quickly.
Paul Moloney, PDA Union National Officer said, “This is great news and means our members in the NHS will see their pay grow more quickly than inflation for the first time in many years. It is only the first step towards restoring the purchasing power of NHS pay, but an important one.”
The PDA Union will now coordinate with other Allied Health Professions unions in Scotland through its membership of the Scottish Trade Union Congress. The PDA will advise members once it is known when this offer will be implemented. In the meantime, if members have a view on this offer, please let the PDA know by emailing Paul Flynn, PDA National Officer for Scotland at [email protected].
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