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NHS workers fell ‘betrayed’ by SNP health secretary, unions warn
Unison members outside Glasgow Royal Infirmary, March 5, 2025 [Stella Rooney]

NHS Scotland workers “feel misled and betrayed” by SNP Health Secretary Neil Gray amid stalled pay talks and “broken promises” on a shorter working week, unions have warned.

Mr Gray had agreed to cut the full-time working week in the service from 37.5 hours to 36, promising to cut it by 30 minutes a year for three years.

Stating he was “extremely grateful” to staff for their “efforts in the face of sustained demand,” Mr Gray responded: “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.”

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