STRIKE action has paid off for about 200 Unison ward clerks at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, who have won their battle for regrading.

The clerks, who walked out for two days last month to urge a rethink from health bosses, will now be regraded to band 3 on NHS Scotland pay scales, with some workers receiving up to three years back pay in a deal secured by their union.

Welcoming the deal, Unison NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde branch secretary Frances Carmichael said: “Ward clerks are essential to the running of hospitals and allow clinical teams to focus on patient care.

“They’re also a vital link to patients and their relatives while they’re in hospital. This significant victory means they’ll now be recognised for the work they do and paid properly.”

Unison Scotland regional organiser Lorcan Mullen said: “This is a great result for staff who stood together to fight for fair pay.

“This victory should send a clear message to other NHS boards; health workers must be paid properly for the work they do.”