Unison urges NHS staff to accept 'guaranteed' pay offer split over two years

A union has urged NHS staff to accept a “guaranteed” 8% pay increase split over two years.

Thousands of NHS staff represented by Unison have been urged to accept a 4.25% increase for this year and a further 3.75% for 2026-27.

The revised pay offer, which the Government previously said would cost about £701m, will also be protected by an “inflation guarantee”, meaning pay increases will always be at least 1% above the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate.

The Scottish Government previously advised this was its final pay offer.

Unison Scotland’s co-lead for health, Matt McLaughlin, said: “The union’s health committee believes this is the best that can be achieved through negotiations.

“That’s why the recommendation to NHS workers is that they vote to accept the offer in the consultative ballot.

“But, of course, Unison members always have the final say.

“As it stands, the offer is worth 8% over two years. If inflation rises during this time, the deal gives some protection with a guarantee of 1% above the average CPI rate.”

He added: “Staff know more than anyone that there are still big problems in the NHS with long waiting lists and the ongoing staffing crisis.

“Unison will continue to campaign for improvements to the NHS but, in the meantime, health workers are urged to accept.”

Health secretary Neil Gray said he is “delighted” the union has urged its members to accept the offer, adding that he has been told fellow union Unite has advised its members to do the same.

He said: “I am delighted that both Unison and Unite are recommending their members accept the two-year pay offer.

“This is a strong offer which gives a guarantee to remain above CPI inflation. We are grateful to all our hard-working and dedicated nurses, midwives and NHS staff and this offer will ensure Scotland’s nurses, midwives and NHS staff have the best pay in the UK.”

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Scotland previously said its board is considering the offer “in detail”.

Claire Ronald, the senior negotiating officer in Scotland for the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists, previously said the deal is “the best that can be achieved”, adding it will now consult members.

GMB Scotland, one of the biggest unions in NHS Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service, also previously said it would ballot members on the pay offer.

Unite has been contacted for comment.