Unison Glasgow Clyde & CVS Branch 

Following on from a formal offer from the Scottish Government to submit ‘joint evidence’ to the NHS Pay Review Body, UNISON has written to the PRB and challenged their independence.

Writing in letter dated 24 May to Phillipa Herd, Chair of the PRB UNISON said, “The trade unions’ long-standing support for the Pay Review Body process is being challenged by members, who perceive that the PRB is providing cover for a politically-imposed ‘pay cap’ and is ignoring the fact that NHS wages have not kept up with the costs they experience”

adding, "If you believe that the Review Body process can deliver fair pay for NHS staff we would urge you to make it clear that your recommendations for the next pay round will not be bound by the Government-imposed pay cap."

The union will meet in the next few weeks to consider the Governments offer, but so far has not ruled out rejecting it in favour of pay barraging. To achieve this ALL other unions in Scotland will need to agree.

The last time a similar offer was made, the RCN refused to leave the PRB and the Government withdrew the proposal on the basis that it would only negotiate if ALL unions signed up.