Dear Constituent,
Thank you for contacting me about nurses’ pay in Scotland.
Healthcare is a devolved matter and so responsibility for NHS Scotland rests with the Scottish Government. I know that the NHS is a priority for the UK Government and I am pleased that Ministers have worked to ensure that NHS Scotland is properly funded. The 2020 budget saw the Scottish Government’s block grant increase by over £640 million.
We have all seen the incredible work being done by nurses throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. These have been incredibly challenging circumstances and they have worked tirelessly to save lives.
Nurses’ pay is negotiated on a three-yearly basis. I am aware that this three-year period is coming to an end shortly and I hope that the Scottish Government will be generous in upcoming pay negotiations. I welcome the First Minister’s commitment to consider carefully how we value and reward those who work in our health and care sector, and my colleagues in the Scottish Parliament will hold the Scottish Government accountable to ensure that she delivers on this commitment.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Kind regards, Alister