Union bosses have condemned a 4.5% pay rise for NHS medical and dental staff in Scotland as "hugely disappointing".
The British Medical Association (BMA) said the offer equates to a "large real-terms pay cut" as UK inflation hits its highest level in 40 years. Members will be consulted on further steps, the union added.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf praised the "tireless" work of NHS staff during the coronavirus pandemic. He said the uplift demonstrates the Scottish government values the "important contribution" of medical and dental staff.
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How much is the NHS staff pay rise?
NHS medical and dental staff in Scotland have been awarded a 4.5% pay rise. Dentists and GPs are among those who will receive the increase, which is below inflation.
It follows the recommendation of the independent Doctors and Dentists Pay Review Body. Accepting the recommendation, the Scottish government said the uplift builds on last year's 3% increase to mean staff have been awarded a 7.5% pay rise over two years.
Mr Yousaf said: "This announcement means that our senior medical staff will continue to be the best paid in the UK. This will help ensure that NHS Scotland remains an attractive employment option for all medical and dental staff."
BMA Scotland said the offer was "hugely disappointing" and that it would consult its members on what steps to take. Union chair Dr Lewis Morrison said: "In the face of spiralling inflation this is still a large real-terms pay cut, which will be hugely damaging to the morale of an already exhausted and depleted workforce, after two-and-a-half-years leading our country's response to the pandemic and the years of vacancies and escalating demand that preceded that."
Figures from the Office for National Statistics on Wednesday (July 20) show inflation in the UK rose to 9.4% in the 12 months to June. It means prices are continuing to rise at their highest rate in 40 years.
When will the NHS pay rise be applied?
Eligible staff will receive the pay rise in their salaries immediately. The government said the award will be backdated to April 1, with payments to follow "as soon as practical".
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