Pay discrimination claims against NHS Scotland settled

A deal has been struck to end equal pay claims raised by Unison members against NHS Scotland.

The agreement will provide between £350 and £850 for around 3000 staff as compensation for historic discriminatory pay practices which existed before the introduction of the current pay and conditions system in 2004.

Health Secretary Shona Robison said: “I welcome this agreement. The current pay system in NHS Scotland ensures that all staff are reimbursed fairly. But where there have been discriminatory practices in the past, it is right that disadvantaged staff are compensated. This settlement achieves that aim for these employees and allows all parties to move forward.”

Willie Duffy, Unison regional organiser, said: “This has been a long time coming and I am pleased to have achieved it without further prolonged employment tribunal proceedings.

“This settlement recognises that there were inequalities in the old Whitley Council pay arrangements and puts an end to them. We will now discuss the detailed payment arrangements with NHS management.”

Suzanne Craig, Unison’s legal officer said: “This is great news and Unison hopes that NHS employers will be able to make early payment.

“However, there are legal steps that have to be taken. Where members are eligible for a payment they will receive individual letters, in due course, outlining their settlement figures. I want to thank everyone for their patience while this is sorted out.”

An NHS spokesperson, speaking on behalf of NHS Scotland chief executives, said: “We are very glad that we have finally been able to reach an agreement that is fair to our affected staff and compensates them for a small range of historic discriminatory pay practices.We will do our best to make payment as soon as practicable.”