The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) will be moving to consult its members on the latest Scottish Government pay offer announced today.
The deal will mean most midwives – depending on where they are on the pay scale – will get a consolidated pay rise of around 6.5% for the 2023/24 pay year, on top of the imposed pay rise already in pay packets for 2022/2023. This means that, if accepted, the majority of RCM members will have received a consolidated 13-14% pay rise over a two-year period.
The deal also includes a lump sum, depending on pay banding, for midwives and maternity support workers (MSWs). This additional payment was achieved as a direct result of RCM members continuing to be in dispute with the Scottish government over the imposed 2022/23 pay offer.
This latest consultation follows on from the previous pay offer in December last year, which almost two-thirds (65%) of RCM members rejected. The RCM – which represents most midwives and also MSWs in Scotland – says the offer on the table also represents a substantial step forward in recognising the professional role of its midwife members compared to the previous offer.
Jaki Lambert, RCM Director for Scotland, said: “I have been encouraged that the Scottish Government has come forward and engaged with unions in good faith to recognise and address the issues facing midwives, MSWs and their colleagues. They have put an offer on the table which gives the RCM and its members much of what we have been asking for around pay and working conditions. This has come about because of the determination and readiness of our members across Scotland to take a stand for themselves, but also for better care for women, babies, and families. They made their voices heard and the Government has listened.
“The RCM and other health unions have been negotiating hard to reach this point. Our members will now decide whether this offer is one they accept or reject.”
The RCM believes there also appears to be genuine commitment from the Scottish Government to address areas of real concern to midwives, who for too long have felt that their profession has not been seen and valued. With the relentless pressures on services and staffing shortages, midwives are continuing to leave the profession that they love.
ENDS
To contact the RCM Media Office call 020 7312 3456, or email media@rcm.org.uk.
Notes to editors
For more information on the pay offer see the RCM Scotland Pay Hub at Scotland pay consultation (rcm.org.uk).
For more information and detail on the pay offer go to Record Pay offer to NHS AfC staff – gov.scot (www.gov.scot).
See also:
- RCM cites ‘cautious optimism’ on pay following Scottish Government meeting
- Scottish Government imposes pay award, despite midwives’ rejection (rcm.org.uk)
- RCM rejects latest pay offer from the Scottish Government
- RCM to consult members on latest Scottish Government pay offer
- Scotland’s midwives vote yes to industrial action over pay (rcm.org.uk)
- Deeply insulting’ says the RCM on revised Scotland NHS pay offer
- Mounting Scottish maternity service staffing shortages spark safety fears says RCM.
- RCM launches five-year vision for midwifery profession in Scotland
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance, and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences, and online resources. For more information visit the RCM | A professional organisation and trade union dedicated to serving the whole midwifery team.
