The Scottish Terms and Conditions Committee (STAC) Staffside submitted its 2025/26 collective pay claim, in which it seeks a cost of living increase and pay modernisation.
Submitted this week (22 January) by STAC Staffside relative to NHS Scotland Agenda for Change Staff, the claim reiterates the importance of the commitments made in the 2023/24 pay round.
Staffside now await the Scottish government's response – and agreement of a negotiation timetable.
'Unfinished business'
This pay claim comes against the backdrop of a cost-of-living crisis, below inflationary uplifts for key workers in previous years, the aftermath of Covid, increasing waiting lists and persistent staff shortages.
In its submission to the Scottish government, STAC Staffside added: “Finally, we would highlight that all sides previously discussed and recognised the need to modernise elements of the pay agreement, specifically with reference to incremental stages; relative incremental values and pay on promotion.
“We see the agreed modernisation paper that was introduced in 2023/24 as ‘unfinished business’ that is essential if we are to reset the baseline on a fair pay system for NHS workers.”
Cost of living and pay modernisation
The key elements of the collective claim include:
1. Cost of living increase
Securing a significant and above-inflation cost of living increase for all pay rates and allowances to address the true cost of living in Scotland and compensate for losses incurred in previous years.
2. Pay modernisation
Implementation of the ‘pay modernisation’ proposals from the 2023/24 pay round. This includes modernising incremental stages, relative incremental values and pay on promotion. These elements were recognised as essential to establishing a fair baseline for NHS workers and remain a priority.
3. AfC framework modernisation
Ensuring any reforms to NHS Scotland are supported by agreed updates to the pay, terms, and conditions package, reflecting modernisation and fairness.
Pushing priorities
The claim further emphasises the importance of reviewing Band 5 nursing and other roles, implementing protected learning time and reducing the working week.
While awaiting response from Scottish government, STAC Staffside will agree membership of their pay negotiation team.
Chris Kennedy and Yvonne Stewart, SoR national officers for Scotland, said: “We want to reassure you that we will continue to push these priorities in forthcoming negotiations. It is our priority that we work to secure the best possible pay deal for you - a deal that recognises and rewards the work that you do.”
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please get in touch with [email protected] or [email protected].
The full pay claim can be found online here.