NHS Scotland medical and dental staff to be given 4.5% pay increase after pay review

All NHS medical and dental staff in Scotland are to be given a pay increase.

They will be awarded a 4.5% rise for this year backdated to April 1, 2022.

The offer was made following recommendations made by the independent Doctors and Dentists Pay Review Body (DDRB).

It had recommended an annual pay uplift of 4.5% for workers amid the fallout from the pandemic and cost of living crisis.

The Scottish Government, BMA Scotland and other relevant stakeholders provided evidence to the DDRB panel.

A 3% uplift was recommended and applied by the Scottish Government last year.

A government spokesperson said it meant staff had been awarded a 7.5% pay increase over the last two years.

Health secretary Humza Yousaf added the offer will help ensure that NHS Scotland remains an “attractive” employment option.

“The NHS has faced its biggest challenge during the pandemic and staff have been working tirelessly to continue to provide care while under increased pressure,” he said.

“The continued hard work and dedication of staff ensures that the people of Scotland continue to receive world class healthcare as we remobilise NHS services and tackle waiting times.

“This uplift demonstrates that we value all our medical and dental staff and the important contribution they make.

“It’s crucial that we continue to not only recruit and build our future NHS workforce, but also retain expertise within NHS Scotland.”

It comes just days after Scotland’s largest nursing union announced plans to open a ballot over potential industrial action.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said it demanded a 5% increase above retail price index inflation.

Yousaf added: “This announcement means that our senior medical staff will continue to be the best paid in the UK.

“This will help ensure that NHS Scotland remains an attractive employment option for all medical and dental staff.”