Planned NHS strike action in Scotland halted as new pay negotiations begin

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Strike action by Scottish NHS workers has been put on hold after talks with unions and the Scottish Government. The decision to delay the industrial action follows a meeting with the First Minister and the GMB, Royal College of Nursing Scotland (RCN) and the Royal College of Midwives (RCM).

The unions previously rejected an offer of a 7.5 per cent rise but after talks with health secretary Humza Yousef yesterday it is hoped a deal can be reached in the coming weeks.

It is believed that if an offer is accepted the pay will be backdated.The RCN said tonight that talks have been paused for the time being.Pat Cullen, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive said: “The Scottish Government has shown a willingness to return to the negotiating table and to act to address the nursing workforce crisis.

The pressure from you, our members, has been key to these negotiations moving forward. We need to see this process through in good faith.“Our members in Scotland are being listened to and the First Minister is in no doubt that we will take strike action if the proposals being outlined do not deliver a significant improvement by the end of February.”Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Director said: “You have said enough is enough and that was before the current pressures trying to care for patients and keep services running. “We know it is frustrating that things are not moving more quickly but things are moving.