CSP urges Scottish government to reconsider new pay offer for NHS staff

CSP members in Scotland are currently voting on strike action over a 5 per cent offer for all staff.

A new offer provides all staff with a flat increase of £2,205 that the government has promoted as an average of 7 per cent but equates to 4.6 per cent for those at the top of band 7 and less for those in bands 8 and 9.

Inflation is currently running at above 10 per cent.

Alex MacKenzie, chair of Council at the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and an NHS clinician in Scotland, said:

‘We welcome additional support for the lowest paid members of our NHS workforce, especially in a time of such high inflation.

‘But it is simply a kick in the teeth to come back with an offer that is actually lower than the one already rejected for a substantial number of our members.

‘For our vital experienced and expert clinicians, this new offer equates to 4.6 per cent or lower – well below the 5 per cent that members have already emphatically rejected.

‘Our members are working under extreme pressure to help patients recover after serious illness or injury, help them get home, or help people stay out of hospital in the first place.

‘These are members who put their lives on the line during the pandemic and it simply beggars belief that the Scottish government thinks that this offer could be acceptable.

‘We have a workforce crisis in Scotland and this insult can only risk pushing more experienced, highly-skilled professionals out of the NHS or into retirement.

‘It’s a truly reckless act and we urge the government to reconsider and make an improved offer for all NHS staff.’

The pay ballot in Scotland closes on October 31 and Alex encouraged all to participate.

‘If ever there was something to make you fill out the ballot, a reduced offer must surely be it,’ she said.