‘Scottish Government must break policy of pay restraint for midwives and all  NHS workers says RCM’

By RCM on 24 March 2017 NHS Scotland Midwives RCM Scotland Pay and Agenda For Change Scotland

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) have responded to today’s announcement from the Scottish Government on NHS pay for 2017/18.

Commenting Jon Skewes, Director for Policy, Employment Relations and Communications at the RCM said; “It is extremely disappointing that the Scottish Government is continuing with the policy of pay restraint for a seventh year. While we welcome the above 1% increase for lower paid staff we were calling for the NHS Pay Review Body to break with pay restraint and give an inflationary increase to all staff. Because of below-inflation increases for the past seven years midwives have seen their pay drop in value by over £6,000 since 2010 and it is unsustainable for this to continue.

“When almost every professional group in the NHS has a shortage of staff, as midwifery does, the Scottish Government need to intervene now to retain much-needed staff before it is too late. The NHS is reliant on midwives’, maternity support workers’ and all other NHS staffs’ goodwill and all four Governments across the UK must start to recognise that. The Scottish Government should show all NHS staff they are valued by giving them a fair pay rise that is in line with inflation. Investment in staff is an investment in high quality, safe care”.

RCM Evidence to the NHS Pay Review Body

To contact the RCM Press Office call 020 7312 3456, or email pressofficer@rcm.org.uk.

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Notes to editors

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/.