NHS Scotland’s healthcare workers have backed a pay deal that will boost their salaries by a combined 8% over the next two years. The agreement, welcomed by the Scottish government, covers nurses, midwives, paramedics, and other essential staff — but notably excludes doctors, whose pay talks run on a different track.
What the Deal Means for NHS Workers
According to Scotland’s Health Secretary Neil Gray, around 170,000 NHS staff will see their pay increase in two stages. First, a 4.25% rise will come into effect in 2025-26, followed by another 3.7% bump the year after. This package includes an “inflation guarantee” designed to keep wages always at least 1% above the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
That’s a serious promise, given the cost of living pressures hitting households everywhere. The Scottish government estimates this will cost roughly £700 million. But it insists the offer is both fair and affordable — a statement that’s likely to spark debate given the ongoing pressures on public finances.
How Scotland’s Offer Compares to the Rest of the UK
This pay deal stands out, especially when you look south of the border. England and Wales are still stuck at around a 3% increase recommended by their pay review bodies. Those negotiations drag on, with some unions pushing back hard, citing years of wage stagnation and rising inflation.
The Scottish deal may be seen as an attempt to keep staff morale up and stem the tide of workforce shortages. After all, health services are still grappling with the aftermath of the pandemic, and recruitment remains a headache in many areas.
Who’s Covered, and Who’s Not?
This agreement includes a broad swath of NHS workers — not just frontline clinical staff like nurses and paramedics, but also roles you might not always hear about: porters, administrative workers, and other support roles. That inclusivity marks a shift in how NHS Scotland views the entire health ecosystem.
However, doctors are a different story. Their pay is negotiated separately and hasn’t been wrapped into this package. That means further talks and, possibly, more uncertainty lie ahead for that group.
The Unions’ Role and Reaction
The major health unions had promised to consult members before accepting any deal, and this vote indicates they found the offer acceptable enough to move forward. Unions are walking a tightrope — balancing the need for better pay with the realities of tight government budgets.
It’s also a signal to workers who’ve been under immense pressure in recent years that their voices are being heard. Pay rises like this could be a key factor in retaining staff who might otherwise consider leaving the NHS.
