After months of waiting RCM members working in the NHS in Scotland have finally been offered an overdue pay increase.
Scotland’s Health Minster Neil Gray yesterday announced the offer of 5.5% which will be backdated to 1 April for all Agenda for Change (AfC) staff.
The RCM has welcomed the overdue announcement and says that, in its pay claim submitted in February, it called for an above inflation pay rise. It will now move to consult formally with its members on the offer.
Commenting, RCM’s Director for Scotland, Jaki Lambert, said:
“It has taken months of negotiations and pressure from the RCM and a lot of hard work in partnership with other Scottish trade unions to get this offer for our members. We are pleased that there has finally been an announcement and that the offer meets the above inflation ask of the RCM’s pay claim. We believe this offer is the best that can be achieved through negotiation in the current climate. However, we have told the Scottish Government time and time again that the delays have eroded the morale of hardworking midwives and maternity care assistants in Scotland, and they must do better to ensure staff feel valued and are receiving fair pay uplifts on time in the future.”
Having taken this offer to the RCM Board for consideration the RCM says it’s now crucial members have their say on the pay offer. The RCM will launch its pay consultation on Wednesday 28 August, and it will run for three weeks closing on Wednesday 18 September.
Jaki added:
“It’s really important that we gauge the views of all our members on this long-awaited offer. So, we are calling on all our Agenda for Change members to respond to our survey once they receive it next week. We are always guided by our members so need each and every one to make their voice heard.”
The RCM says all eligible members in Scotland will receive a direct link to its consultation next Wednesday via email and it is encouraging members to ensure their workplace details are up to date, so they don’t miss out on their chance to have their say. RCM members can update their contact details here.
