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RCM disappointed with Scottish Government attempt to overlook pay negotiations

on 02 March 2021 MSWs - Maternity Support Workers Midwives Pay

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) in Scotland has expressed their disappointment with the Cabinet Secretary after a letter on NHS pay was sent last week without any prior discussion with Trade union representatives.

The letter contained an offer of a one-off payment for NHS staff including midwives and maternity support workers and was sent without proper notice, consultation, or prior discussion with Scottish NHS Unions.

The suggested 1% pay increase contained in the letter the RCM says does not reflect the sacrifices and incredible hard work that midwives, maternity staff and all healthcare staff, have contributed to the NHS Scotland response to COVID-19.

Responding, Mary Ross Davie RCM’s Director for Scotland said:

“We are extremely disappointed about the way this announcement on pay was made by the Cabinet Secretary and have written to express our concern about what happened. This is an exceptionally poor attempt to delay proper negotiations on pay and NHS pay should be an absolute priority for the Scottish Government. The offer that has been made to our members is not substantial or reflective of what they deserve and is an offer that has not been negotiated with us. The Scottish Government agreed to negotiate this pay deal with the RCM and other NHS Unions in Scotland, but instead they have offered our members a payment without consultation.

With the Scottish elections around the corner, we feel negotiations on NHS pay should be a priority for the Government, but it appears they are attempting to kick pay into the long grass and we will not stand for that.”

Ends

Notes to editors

Read more about the RCM's pay campaign - Deliver a Decent deal here:https://www.rcm.org.uk/supporting/pay

The RCM is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance, and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences, and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website at https://www.rcm.org.uk/.

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