UNISON Scotland respond to Budget and Public Sector Pay Policy

Mike Kirby, UNISON’s Scottish Secretary said, on the Scottish government’s budget statement and public sector pay policy for 2021-22 which were announced today.

“We welcome the recognition for those on the lowest pay but 3% for those under £25k and 1% for those over falls short of a decent pay rise for public sector workers.

The pandemic has shown the vital role of public sector workers across Scotland. Whether in the NHS, local government, social care or our emergency services, their effort has been heroic.

The workforce need a pay settlement that recognises the sacrifice so many have made over the pandemic and starts to restore some of the reals terms pay cuts of the past decade and show how much the government values the role they play in Scotland.

Public sector workers live in communities across Scotland. They spend their wages in local shops and businesses helping which will rebuild our economy after the pandemic. There will be some hard discussions in the various negotiating groups”

Full details of the Scottish Government’s public sector pay policy for 2021-22 and UNISON Scotland’s response are available on the UNISON Scotland website