Three-year negotiations resolved after job description is updated and agreed
SCOTTISH ambulance staff have won a pay upgrade after three years of negotiations.
The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) has agreed a deal with union representatives for almost 2,600 paramedics and technicians who provide frontline medical services throughout the nation.
Under the proposals, 1,355 technicians will move from a band four to band five pay grade, and 1,259 paramedics will move from band five to band six level.
The move comes after staff completed an independent evaluation process.
“This agreement ensures ambulance staff are properly rewarded for the job they do, it reflects the changing nature of the job and helps to ensure it is a profession people want to join.” Unison
Unison branch secretary Stevie Gilroy said: “Unison is proud to represent paramedics and technicians, as a paramedic myself I know how hard the job is, as pressures on us increase.
“So, this recognition is greatly welcome. It goes without saying that ambulance staff play a crucial role in the emergency treatment of patients and the skills and knowledge required to do the job has increased.
“This agreement ensures ambulance staff are properly rewarded for the job they do, it reflects the changing nature of the job and helps to ensure it is a profession people want to join.”
Unison branch chair, Liam Boylan welcomed the agreement, but added that continued investment in equipment and vehicles was required for staff to be able to maintain service levels.
Boylan also recognised the “positive” and “constructive” cooperation of the union and Scottish Ambulance Service that led to the deal being brokered.
“Unison has led three years of negotiations at both a national local level to get the recognition both ambulance paramedics and technicians deserve,” Boylan added.
“I am delighted that new technician and paramedic job descriptions have been agreed in partnership with staff.” Scottish Ambulance Service
The upgrade comes after a change in job description that was also welcomed by the Scottish Ambulance Service, which claims it suits the changing nature of the job.
Scottish Ambulance Service Chief Executive Pauline Howie said: “I am delighted that new technician and paramedic job descriptions have been agreed in partnership with staff and staff representatives in recognition of the additional skills and knowledge our clinicians now need.
“The renewed job descriptions and changes in banding reflect the value the Service places on frontline staff and our commitment to developing our workforce.”
Scottish Ambulance Service employee director, John Riggins, said: “This is another fine example of collaborative working within the Scottish Ambulance Service, and I would like to commend all those who have been involved in the process.
“I look forward to seeing our staff continuing to grow and develop in their re-banded roles and throughout their careers with the Scottish Ambulance Service.”
Health Secretary Shona Robison said: “I am pleased that Scottish Ambulance Service management and staff have worked in partnership to reach agreement on new job descriptions for ambulance clinicians.
“As we look to shift the balance of care and deliver more services in the community, improving outcomes for patients, our ambulance staff will continue to play an essential role.
“This move reaffirms the ambulance service’s commitment to continue to grow and develop its workforce to deliver the best possible care to the people of Scotland.”
Picture courtesy of EDDIE
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