1 per cent pay rise is ‘more of the same’
SDPC fears deepening crisis of morale in profession as Health Secretary confirms increase
The 1 per cent increase in dentists’ pay recommended by the DDRB will deepen the crisis in morale affecting the profession in Scotland according to SDPC chair Robert Donald.
Donald, who is a GDP in Nairn, said: “We are disappointed but not surprised by DDRB’s recommendations. A 1 per cent pay uplift does nothing to address, let alone reverse, the huge drop in income for GDPs that has occurred over the last five years. For Scottish GDPs, ‘more of the same’ means a deepening crisis of morale, and an inability to deliver investment in practices. At present we have to pay for improvements out of our own pockets, and not a single penny has been earmarked to improve equipment, premises or training. Our patients deserve and expect quality care, and these are the foundations it is built on. To run an effective service we require either fair pay or fair funding. At present we have neither.”
Health Secretary Shona Robison said: “We are committing nearly £100m next year to ensure all NHS staff groups in Scotland will receive a 1 per cent pay increase. We will also supplement the pay of those currently earning under £22,000 to ensure they receive an increase of at least £400.”
While the independently recommended uplift is modest, it comes against the background of substantial cuts in Scotland’s budget from Westminster, and will continue to give NHS staff in Scotland a better deal than their counterparts south of the border.
“As well as delivering the fully consolidated pay rise for NHS staff, and guaranteeing that all employees are paid at least the living wage, we are also committed to no compulsory redundancies for NHS Scotland staff,” the Health Secretary said.
“Our commitment to this pay increase, and to the living wage, for NHS workers underlines the value we place on front-line staff who work incredibly hard every day to care for the people of Scotland.”
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