We’re currently asking those of you who work in the NHS to vote on the Scottish government’s 5.5% pay offer for all bands. If you are eligible to vote and haven’t done so already, please use your vote as soon as possible and before the 20 September deadline. As is always the case during such consultations, the more of you who vote the stronger our mandate is on your behalf.
Many of you have questions about the negotiations that got us to this point.
Tax and the so-called ‘fiscal drag’ that sees people being drawn into higher tax bands as a result of pay increases, is one issue. The RCN entered into negotiations with Scottish government looking to secure a significant, fair pay rise for our members. As part of our preparations for the negotiation we of course considered the Scottish income tax system and the impact the higher rate (payable on the proportion of income over the higher rate threshold of £43,663) has. This, and a host of other factors, are used to inform our negotiating position and helped us push the Scottish government to offer a pay deal that is higher than their agreed public sector pay policy. You, our members, will decide if this offer meets your expectations.
Additional pay points for band 8a and above, as have been included in the NHS England award, is another issue you’ve raised. The pay offer in Scotland is for a 5.5% uplift across all pay bands. The Scottish government does not participate in the PRB process, preferring to negotiate directly with the health trade unions. This year’s offer doesn’t include proposals for reform of the Agenda for Change pay structure, but implementation of the reforms secured in the previous pay rounds continues. It is worth noting that the first increment within bands 8a to 9 in Scotland is higher than the increment that has been added in England, due to higher pay awards being negotiated in Scotland in previous years.
You have also asked why the RCN has made no recommendation to members to accept or reject the offer. The detail of the offer has been considered by the RCN Scotland Board, your elected representatives in Scotland. The Board was briefed by our negotiators on the detail of the offer and the financial context in which it was made. After careful consideration, the Board came to the conclusion that individual members should decide whether or not this pay offer meets your expectations and accept or reject accordingly.
Please do get informed about the offer and the consultation and, as I said at the start, vote if you haven’t already.
If you have voted, please consider signing up to be a vote volunteer and encourage others to have their say on pay.
Find out more and use your vote.
Remember to check your details on MyRCN so you can use your vote - we need to know where you work and who your employer is in particular.
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