NHS workers call off strike after pay offer

Workers at Scotland's largest health board have called off a planned three-day strike after receiving an improved offer in a dispute over pay.

Ward clerks at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) had been due to walk out from Monday but Unison members voted to call off the action after receiving a revised offer from the health board.

The union said the deal could mean a pay increase of more than £2,000 for the most experienced workers, with some also potentially receiving up to three years' back pay.

The clerks are currently on the lowest NHS pay grade, with Unison saying they have taken on additional duties in recent years.

The planned strike would have been the second round of industrial action by the workers, who walked out earlier this month.

Unison said the latest offer followed successful industrial action by district nurses and payroll officers at NHSGGC over similar pay and grading issues.

Branch secretary Frances Carmichael said she "could not be prouder" of staff who "refused to give up on getting the recognition they deserve".

"This shows what workers can achieve when they stand together," she said.

Unison Scotland regional organiser Lorcan Mullen said the result showed how low-paid NHS workers could make a difference when they stood together.

He said: "NHS boards shouldn't be forcing loyal, hard-working staff to strike just to be paid fairly, and after this successful action we will be expecting a radical change to the board's approach to rebanding claims."

A spokesperson for NHSGGC said: "We highly value our staff and are pleased to have worked constructively with Unison to reach a resolution.

"We also look forward to working with our trade union colleagues to establish a better and more timely process going forward."