From today (28 February) RCN Scotland members working in the NHS can have their say on the Scottish government’s new NHS pay offer. Eligible members working in NHS Scotland on Agenda for Change contracts are receiving emails and letters to enable them to vote. The ballot closes at 9am on Monday 20 March.
The new pay offer includes:
A one-off lump sum payment equivalent to three calendar months’ value of the difference between the 2022/23 and the 2023/24 pay rates. It will be calculated on an employee’s basic rate of pay and paid on a pro rata basis. This payment was secured by the RCN in recognition of our ongoing dispute on pay.
A pay increase of different percentages depending on the Agenda for Change band you are on
A significant review of Agenda for Change with the aim of modernising the framework to support recruitment, retention and the long-term sustainability of the nursing workforce.
Read the new pay offer in full to find out what it means for you and read more about the scope of the Agenda for Change review.
Commenting on the launch of the consultation, Julie Lamberth, Chair of RCN Scotland Board, said:
“I don’t take for granted how engaged you, our members, have been in our ballots on pay and strike action. Using your vote is the most effective way to help RCN Scotland Board understand how you feel about this new pay offer. So I make no apology for once again strongly urging you, to read the detail of the new offer and find out what it means for you individually and to use your vote.
“RCN Scotland Board members are recommending you vote to accept this new pay offer. We believe that, taking into account the pay increase as well as the review of Agenda for Change, it will make a positive difference for our members. It is now up to you to decide whether to accept the offer.”
Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Director, said:
“In addition to emailing information to members about the new pay offer, we will be holding drop-in question and answer sessions throughout the voting period and visiting as many workplaces as possible. I would urge every eligible member to try to join at least one of these sessions to have your questions on the new pay offer answered before you use your vote. It is a complex offer and, we believe, the review of the Agenda for Change pay structure provides a clear path for much needed reform.”
Visit our website to find out more about the pay ballot and how members who are eligible to vote can take part. The voting website also includes a consultation document on the offer, a link to the new pay offer in full and a link to our frequently asked questions. Members are encouraged to read the detailed information first and then vote via the voting website. Members can email PayCampaignScotland@rcn.org.uk if they have any queries about the consultative ballot.
