Perthshire North MSP, Mr John Swinney, has welcomed news that NHS workers have voted to accept an improved pay offer.

The offer, which was approved by 64% Unite membership voters, represents an average pay increase of 7.5%, with pay increases as high as 11.24% for employees in the bottom pay bands. It follows direct talks between union bosses and the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Humza Yousaf MSP, and the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP. As a result, planned industrial action has been cancelled.

Commenting, Mr Swinney said:

“I am delighted that, following sustained negotiations, a pay deal has been reached.
 
“It is right that NHS staff are given a fair pay rise that helps to combat the cost-of-living crisis that we are all facing. Moreover, it is important that we recognise their heroic efforts during the Covid pandemic and reward them appropriately for their extraordinary work.
 
“Accordingly, news of this pay deal will be welcomed by households across Perthshire. With the cancellation of planned industrial action, we can now continue to focus on strengthening NHS Tayside as we emerge from the pandemic.”