NHS staffside’s negotiating team – representing the CSP and other healthcare unions – met with the Scottish government on Wednesday 12 October.
The development came after the CSP and other healthcare unions opened industrial ballots, recommending members reject the current pay award of five per cent.
We are pleased that the Scottish Government has listened to physiotherapists’ concerns over pay and entered into further discussions but, unfortunately, there is not currently an offer we can put to our members.
Claire Ronald, CSP Senior negotiating officer, said: 'Our members in Scotland overwhelmingly rejected the original five percent offer, which is why we are currently balloting over pay in Scotland for the first time in our history.
This makes it even more vital that all of our members working in the NHS in Scotland return their ballots. It is crucial we have a clear mandate from members
'Strike action is absolutely a last resort, but the harsh fact is that people can no longer afford to work for the NHS unless they are given a pay offer that keeps up with the cost of living. If this doesn’t happen they will be left with no other option but to vote with their feet at a time when staff retention has never been more vital.
'We will continue to seek negotiations with the Scottish government in the hope that they do make an improved offer that properly reflects the extraordinary pressures physiotherapy staff are working under due to huge waiting lists and workforce shortages.'
The CSP is continuing its industrial ballot in Scotland and members are advised to vote yes for industrial action, and return their ballot papers to civica in time for October 31.
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