The Agenda for Change review process has today reported on its recommendations for reform for the NHS-wide pay scheme.
The recommendations are with Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care, for approval.
The recommendations were agreed by the RCN and other joint health trade unions at a meeting of the Scottish Terms and Conditions committee (STAC) in Edinburgh today.
The recommendations from the review include proposals for a reduced working week, protected time for learning and for a review of band 5 nursing roles, alongside other issues.
At this stage, it is not clear when the Cabinet Secretary will announce his decision.
Commenting, Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland director, said:
“We know that many of our members remain dissatisfied with their pay, terms and conditions. They voted only by a narrow majority to accept the pay deal earlier this year.
“Expectations for the difference this review could make are high. Our members need to know that the Scottish government is committed to recognising and rewarding our members’ remarkable contribution to health and social care in Scotland.
“We do not know just yet when the Cabinet Secretary will announce his decision. But we are calling on him to approve the funding required to implement the recommended outcomes quickly and in full.
“This is set to be the worst winter on record for Scotland’s health and care system. Our members will be watching to see if the Scottish government, through this review, can deliver on its promises to make nursing a career of choice once again to help keep nurses in the job and attract the nurses of the future.”
