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The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Taking difficult decisions on money for healthcare
Last year Agenda for Change trade unions received a 5.5% pay uplift and have recently, unanimously accepted, a two year pay deal of 4.25% in 2025/26 and 3.75% in 2026/27. This pay agreement will benefit almost 170,000 NHS Agenda for Change staff – including nurses, midwives, paramedics, allied health professionals, and porters. This will see a Band 5 nurse at the top of their grade getting a £1,689 pay uplift in 2025/26. I was pleased to reach an agreement with consultants in 2024/25 on a 10.5% uplift which equated to a significant investment of £124.9 million in their pay and reward package. This ensured consultant pay remains competitive with other UK nations. Neil Gray said difficult choices had to be made (Image: PA) As we look to this year's pay settlement, it has been absolutely crucial to ensure that any pay increase is fair, affordable and equitable. I have carefully considered the recommendation of a 4% increase from the independent Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration Body (DDRB), which advises on these matters at a UK level. I feel this represents a fair and equitable offer and we are implementing the recommendations immediately to ensure uplifts and backpay are received in July salaries. We have had to make difficult decisions to redirect funding from within the health portfolio. Redirecting funding from patient care is never an easy decision, but I have done so to respect the independent DDRB process and set the Scottish Government on a financially sustainable path. I have been clear I am unable to go beyond the DDRB recommendations. In the coming weeks we look to hold discussions with the BMA to explore non-pay elements which could be included in this year's deal. With average CPI inflation forecast to run at 2% over the course of the 2025/26 financial year, a 4% increase means they will receive an above inflation increase which will see consultants raises of between £4,286 and £5,695, meaning at the top of their scale, a consultant will earn a basic pay of £148,064. For specialty doctors, this increase would see their wage rise by between £2,468 and £3,845, with those at the top of their grade earning a basic salary of nearly £100,000. As I travel up and down the country and meet staff working in our hospitals and health centres, I see first-hand the outstanding work staff in our health service are undertaking and I am extremely grateful for their contribution. READ MORE: Neil Gray faces fresh questions over 'limogate' row 'We must tackle racist violence' - Swinney after Police Scotland officers sent to NI However, I also hear about the demands staff are dealing with and impact this can have on morale and wellbeing. We know that teams are facing pressure right across the NHS – from porters to consultants - and I want staff to know; we hear your concerns and we are determined to take action and ensure we are directing resources to the right places to relieve pressure on the system. In recent weeks we announced the allocation of £106 million to tackle waiting times. This investment will help clear the longest waits and I hope demonstrate to staff that we are taking measures to clear the backlog of treatment facing teams currently. The investment is part of the £200 million announced as part of the Programme for Government to build capacity, tackle delayed discharge and improve patient flow through hospitals. We are determined to do more on recruitment - a new project called the Future Medical Workforce will seek to explore issues of workforce planning. This will allow us to hear directly from doctors in order to make improvements to the medical education pipeline, ensuring we can continue to deliver the medical workforce Scotland needs. I have continued to invest significantly in training as we want to have the best qualified people working in our NHS. There are a record high number of Medical & Dental Consultants in Scotland, including Directors. Under this government, the number of Consultants has increased by 70% and our NHS workforce has seen 12 consecutive years of growth. I recognise the challenges that the Health Service faces and I am determined to do more, but I strongly believe that this must be done in a way that treats all staff with fairness and equity. Neil Gray is the Health Secretary and MSP for Airdrie & Shotts
Wales Online
22-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Doctors and dentists in Wales get above-inflation pay hike
Doctors and dentists in Wales get above-inflation pay hike One union said the uplift 'comes nowhere near addressing' pay erosion over recent years Unions representing medics in Wales have shared their disappointment (Image: Western Mail ) NHS Wales doctors and dentists are set to get a 4% pay rise, it has been confirmed. Others working for the NHS will see a 3.6% increase, with each rise surpassing the current inflation rate of 3.5%. Jeremy Miles, Welsh Health Secretary, confirmed that both pay awards will be backdated to 1 April, 2025. The rises stem from recommendations made by the NHS Pay Review Body (NHSPRB) and the Doctors and Dentists Review Body (DDRB) for 2025 to 2026. The increases exceed the rate of inflation which rose to 3.5% in April, up from 2.6% in March and the highest since January 2024. They also align with those given to NHS staff in England. However, unions representing medics in Wales have shared their disappointment, calling the rises "too little, too late" and stating they come "nowhere near addressing pay erosion". Royal College of Nursing executive director Helen Whyley said: "The pay award announced by the Welsh Government today (22 May) comes almost two months after the Pay Review Body (PRB)'s report was delivered to the UK government. "The PRB's recommendations were accepted and nursing staff employed on Agenda for Change (AfC) contracts in Wales have been awarded a 3.6% pay increase across all bands, backdated to April 1, 2025. Article continues below 'This announcement has come far too late, leaving nursing staff waiting once again for recognition they urgently deserve. 'At a time when morale is already low and the pressures on the health service are immense, this delay only deepens the sense of disillusionment among our members.' Dr Iona Collins, chair of the British Medical Association's (BMA) Welsh Council said: 'The BMA has repeatedly provided evidence to reflect that NHS Wales doctors are undervalued and overworked. "The published pay increase of 1% above inflation comes nowhere near addressing the pay erosion of at least 19% over the last sixteen years. 'The DDRB and Welsh Government fail to recognise that doctors continue to experience the worst pay erosion in the public sector, which is not acceptable. "Similarly, the underfunding of the GMS contract leaves general practice in a precarious position, with financial remedy required immediately. 'Doctors are trying to get through the longest waiting lists on record and sacrificing their own health to do so, with high levels of exhaustion and burnout reported. "Now more than ever, doctors need pay restoration, which will help the profession feel appreciated for routinely going above and beyond. 'We will now digest the DDRB report and further consult with our members to gauge their views and consider our next steps. We have requested an urgent meeting with the Cabinet Secretary.' Article continues below
ITV News
22-05-2025
- Health
- ITV News
Doctors and dentists in Wales given 4% pay rise as Welsh Government announce NHS pay awards
Doctors and dentists working for the Welsh NHS will receive a 4% pay rise, it has been announced. Other NHS workers will get a 3.6% increase, with both uplifts above inflation which currently sits at 3.5%. Wales' health secretary Jeremy Miles has confirmed that both pay awards will be backdated to 1 April this year, with the pay rises are a result of recommendations made by the NHS Pay Review Body (NHSPRB) and the Doctors and Dentists Review Body (DDRB) for 2025-26. The increases, recommended by independent pay review bodies, are above the rate of inflation, which jumped to 3.5% in April, up from 2.6% in March and the highest since January 2024. These offers are in line with those given to NHS staff in England. The 4% rise will apply to the following groups: Staff who will see the 3.6% rise include nurses, cleaners, porters, and healthcare support workers. The independent review by the NHS Pay Review Body also made additional recommendations outside of pay, which will be considered separately. It was also announced that while pay rises for primary care workers including community pharmacies, NHS optometry and all staff working in general practice and dental teams was outside the scope of the recommendations, the Welsh Government said it wants to see a "fair and proportionate" rise across this sector. Jeremy Miles added: "While falling outside the scope of the DDRB recommendations, we want to see a fair and proportionate pay uplift across primary care, including community pharmacies, NHS optometry and all staff working in general practice and dental teams. "This is in recognition of the vital role primary care, and its staff, plays in delivering essential services to people throughout Wales. "I would like to extend my thanks to all NHS staff for their ongoing dedication and hard work. Your commitment to providing exceptional care and services is truly appreciated."
