NHS STAFF TO RECEIVE PAY AWARD

West of Scotland MSP has welcomed the announcement that NHS staff in Scotland will receive their 2.5 per cent unstaged pay award next month after Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon took action today to deliver on the Pay Review body's recommendation.

Nicola Sturgeon told Scottish NHS staff at a conference in Glasgow that the uplift would be included in July's pay packets, backdated to April 1.Ms Sturgeon also said that tackling health inequalities in Scotland's most disadvantaged communities would be at the forefront of the Scottish government's health improvement agenda over the coming months, with alcohol a key focus for action.

Ms Sturgeon said: "When I took up my post, I was concerned to find that the 2.5 per cent unstaged pay award - recommended by the Pay Review body and agreed by the previous administration - had not been implemented. I am aware that there are continuing discussions at a UK level in relation to staff covered by the PNC. However, I wrote to unions confirming my intention to honour the commitment to a 2.5 per cent unstaged award and to express my desire to see the money in pay packets as soon as possible.

"It is clear from responses that I have received that there is a need to effect a balance between the natural desire of unions to ensure that their members receive agreed pay rises as soon as is practically possible, and the need to take account of the fact that there are still unresolved pay discussions affecting a significant number of NHS Scotland staff at UK level.

"Taking all of these factors into account, I have decided that I will issue the pay circulars to enable the pay uplift to be made in July. I hope that this decision demonstrates that I greatly value the commitment, dedication and professionalism of NHS Scotland staff."