RCM to consult its members on the latest Scottish Government pay offer
on 01 December 2022 RCM Maternity Services MSWs - Maternity Support Workers Midwifery Midwives Staffing Levels Government RCM Member Pay NHS Pay Review Body Pay and Agenda For Change Industrial Action NHS Staff NHS Scotland RCM Scotland Scotland Scottish Government Scottish Maternity Services
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is consulting its members in Scotland on the latest Scottish Government pay offer made late last week. The RCM online consultation opens today and closes on 15 December.
The RCM – which represents most midwives and also maternity support workers (MSWs) in Scotland – says while the latest offer is an improvement on the last, it falls far short of what was asked. This is especially the case for those skilled and experienced midwives on higher pay bands who are the backbone of maternity care in Scotland.
Jaki Lambert, RCM Director for Scotland, said: “This revised pay offer has come about because of the determination of midwives and MSWs to raise their voices and make a stand. This brought the Scottish Government back to the negotiating table and resulted in this improved offer. It is better for some of our members but does fall short of what we want for our experienced midwives.
“However, it has taken us a step forward towards getting what our members rightly deserve and is a firm base on which to move forward and improve it further for next year. It is the best that can be achieved through negotiation, and it is important that our members now have their say.”
The offer will make a substantial difference to the pay of MSWs and midwives at the start of their career and several major improvements in other areas. These include the continuation of overtime payments for senior midwives making a significant difference to their pay and retaining the enhanced mileage allowances for staff using their cars for work. There are also firm promises from the Scottish Government on key issues including protected time for staff to undertake crucial ongoing education and training, where previously many people had to do this in their own time. The deal also includes plans to reduce the working week to 36 hours with no loss of earnings.
There is also a commitment in the deal to begin pay negotiations early for next year. The RCM says that through those negotiations they will be pushing to increase its members’ pay further to counter the rising cost of living and previous years of pay freezes and stagnation.
Jaki Lambert added, “This is about much more than pay; it is also about investing in Scotland’s maternity services and its staff so that they can continue to deliver brilliant care for women and families. The deal shows firm intent from the Scottish Government on this, and we are taking them at their word that they will come good on their promises. They, and employers, must improve the working lives of midwives and MSWs if they are to keep the ones we have and bring more into the NHS. Our governing Board is recommending acceptance of the offer, but it is now down to our members to decide.”
“Make no mistake though, our members have shown they are prepared to take action to stand up for fair pay, for a better working environment and for better maternity services. I really hope though that with the deal on the table and the promise of the Government to improve the working lives of midwives and MSWs, that we do not end up here again.”
ENDS
To contact the RCM Media Office call 020 7312 3456, or email [email protected].
Notes to editors
See also:
- RCM to consult members on latest Scottish Government pay offer
- Scotland’s midwives vote yes to industrial action over pay (rcm.org.uk)
- Deeply insulting’ says the RCM on revised Scotland NHS pay offer
- Mounting Scottish maternity service staffing shortages spark safety fears says RCM.
- RCM launches five-year vision for midwifery profession in Scotland
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance, and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences, and online resources. For more information visit the RCM | A professional organisation and trade union dedicated to serving the whole midwifery team.