Healthcare workers in Dumfries and Galloway are being urged to accept a new pay offer.
The Scottish Government is offering staff covered by Agenda for Change an average 6.5 per cent increase – as well as a one-off 1.5 per cent payment – that would kick in on April 1.
The move came after members of a number of healthcare unions voted for strike action after rejecting a previous offer.
They are now being consulted on the latest deal with both the Royal College of Nursing and Unison recommending that members accept it.
RCN Scotland board chairwoman, Julie Lamberth, told members: “I am in no doubt that it was the strength of the RCN’s mandate for strike action that led to this new offer.
“We have showed the Scottish government that they must listen and act to protect our profession.
“We have consistently said that our campaign has not just been about pay. You are equally concerned about safe staffing.
“While pay is an important element in retaining experienced nursing staff and attracting the workforce of the future, pay alone will not address the current workforce crisis.
“The RCN Scotland board has reviewed this new NHS pay offer in detail and we believe it will make a positive difference for members which is why we recommend you vote to accept the offer.”
Members of Unison had previously voted to accept the 2022/23 offer which represented an average increase of 7.5 per cent.
Spokeswoman Wilma Brown, said: “After the Scottish Government’s lengthy delays in settling last year’s pay claim, we’re glad they have honoured their commitment to enter into early pay talks.
“While pay is undoubtedly a big issue, the ongoing pressures created by the staffing crisis are at the forefront of our members’ minds and are fuelling their frustration.
“Unison’s health committee is recommending members accept this offer and that we get the pay into people’s pockets as soon as possible. However, the fight around staffing levels and fair reward for hard working NHS staff continues to be our priority.”
Members of the Royal College of Midwives are also being consulted on the latest offer, as are NHS and ambulance staff in GMB Scotland.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “We have engaged extensively with trade union representatives over recent weeks, leaving no stone unturned to reach an offer which responds to the key concerns of staff.
“Our healthcare staff have shown how dedicated and hardworking they are time and again and I cannot thank them enough for their commitment, particularly over the last few challenging years.
“We have taken difficult decisions to find this money within the health budget because we know that our staff are the very backbone of the NHS and we are committed to supporting them, particularly during a cost of living crisis.”
