Exclusive:SNP minister Neil Gray told he must rebuild trust after 'broken promises' as NHS Scotland pay talks start

GMB Scotland is due to meet with the health secretary on Thursday to discuss NHS staff pay talks after proposals to reduce the working week by 30 minutes were pushed back to next year.

The union says staff are feeling betrayed and have been “shattered by broken promises over working hours”, with reassurance sought from Mr Gray.

Keir Greenaway, senior organiser in public services at GMB Scotland, said: “Given the empty words and broken promises around working hours, there is clearly an issue of trust and credibility for our members.

“Before trying to negotiate pay and conditions, the minister must address the issues raised by the decision to renege on the promises of a shorter working week.

“The minister must understand the anger about that decision and the problems it has given him in future negotiations with a workforce that has little reason to trust him.

Scottish politics has never been more important - get The Steamie newsletter today

“Workers, who will be working an extra 26 hours this year despite routinely working past the end of their shifts, feel misled and betrayed.”

NHS staff had been promised a 90-minute cut to their working week after GMB Scotland, the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Midwives backed strike action. This was to be staggered by reducing the working week by 30 minutes annually for the next three years, starting in 2025.

However, last month ministers announced the proposed 30-minute cut would not be going ahead this year - but maintain a full hour will still be cut from the working week next year.

Mr Greenaway is now due to meet Mr Gray on Thursday to discuss pay negotiations.

The union leader said formal talks needed to reassure overworked staff, adding: “We enter all negotiations in good faith, but after the broken promises over the working week, our members’ continuing trust cannot be taken for granted.

“The failure to even fix a date for the start of pay negotiations does nothing to reassure staff that industrial relations in NHS Scotland is a priority. These talks must now begin as a matter of urgency.”

Mr Gray said: “I meet trade unions on a regular basis and I look forward to my forthcoming meeting with GMB at which we will discuss pay. We intend to enter pay negotiations to secure a pay deal for 2025/26 as soon as practically possible.

“The 36-hour week will be implemented by April 2026, as previously committed to. It is important this change is delivered in a way that is safe for patients and staff, supports continued recovery of services and avoids any extra burden for our workforce.

“Following careful consideration of feedback from staff and NHS leaders, I intend to deliver the remaining 60-minute reduction on April 1, 2026, with a clear programme of activity between now and then to ensure boards are well placed to implement the change with minimal disruption to service.

“I recognise the tremendous pressures staff have been working under and I am extremely grateful for their continued efforts in the face of sustained demand.”