Unions have criticised the Scottish Government’s decision to award a pay increase to most Public Servants saying it still leaves workers “out in the cold” with a real-term wage cut.
Minister for Finance, Secretary Kate Forbes said an increase of three per cent would be awarded only to those earning up to £25,000 ($A44,700) a year.
Those on higher salaries will get a one per cent rise, capped at £800 ($A1,400) for those earning £80,000 ($A143,200) a year or more, while separate negotiations are taking place for National Health Service workers.
Ms Forbes said the Government would continue its “progressive and restorative approach” to public sector pay, with Ministers “focused on addressing low pay”.
However, General Secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress, Roz Foyer (pictured) pointed out that overall Budget spending had increased by nearly four per cent.
Ms Foyer said it was deeply disappointing that the Government had not been able to better reward key workers.
Scottish Secretary at the Unison trade union, Mike Kirby said the wage increase fell short of a decent pay rise for public sector workers.
“The pandemic has shown the vital role of workers in public services across Scotland. Their efforts in the last year have been heroic,” Mr Kirby said.
“Those working in the Public Service deserve a pay settlement recognising the sacrifice so many have made over the pandemic, tackling real terms pay cuts of the past decade and showing how much the Government values the role they play in Scotland,” he said.
Edinburgh, 30 January 2021
