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.

This year’s cut has however been postponed until 2026, shattering trust that he will deliver a revised pledge to catch up by delivering a one hour cut next year.

Ahead of talks with the Health Secretary on Thursday, GMB Scotland senior organiser in public services Keir Greenaway said: “Workers, who will be working an extra 26 hours this year despite routinely working past the end of their shifts, feel misled and betrayed.

“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.”

Unison, whose 60,000 NHS Scotland members have expressed similar trust issues, took that message directly him on Wednesday as he visited Glasgow Royal Infirmary, welcoming him with “Liar, Liar” placards, and posters demanding “our half hour.”

Unison NHS Greater Glasgow and  and CVS branch chair Rose Anderson told the Star: “Unison were out today to tell the Health Minister that our members won’t accept any delay on his promises.

“We will continue to holding his feet to the fire and we want serious answers on when this agreed reduction in the working week will be implemented. Our members are campaigning hard on this while fighting significant cuts to jobs and services.

“Enough is enough.”

Turning to the stalled pay negotiations, she said: “Staff are sick of waiting over half a year for their pay award. Those in in-work poverty suffer the most from these delays.

“We expect Neil Gray to learn from his mistakes and present a credible pay offer before the 1st of April.”

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.”