Scottish NHS staff have already secured their 2026/27 pay rise. Unlike England, where negotiations are ongoing, Scotland negotiated directly with the Scottish Government and agreed a 2-year deal covering both 2025/26 and 2026/27.
This means if you work for NHS Scotland, you already know exactly what you will earn from 1 April 2026.
Scotland’s 2-Year Pay Deal: Key Facts
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| 2025/26 Pay Rise | 4.25% |
| 2026/27 Pay Rise | 3.75% (minimum) |
| Total Over 2 Years | 8% cumulative (8.16% compounded) |
| Inflation Guarantee | At least 1 percentage point above CPI each year |
| Working Week Reduction | 1.5 hours from 1 April 2026 |
| Negotiation Method | Direct talks with Scottish Government |
The deal was accepted by RCN Scotland members and other unions following a ballot in spring 2025.
What Makes Scotland’s Deal Different?
1. Direct Negotiations (No Pay Review Body)
England uses the NHS Pay Review Body (NHSPRB) — an independent body that makes recommendations to ministers. This process is slow and unions have called it “broken” and “discredited”.
Scotland bypassed this entirely. Unions sat down directly with the Scottish Government and negotiated a deal. This gave staff certainty much earlier.
2. Inflation Protection
Scotland’s deal includes a guaranteed floor. The pay rise each year must be at least 1 percentage point above CPI inflation.
If CPI inflation runs at 3% in 2026, Scottish staff get at least 4%. England has no such protection — if inflation rises, the 2.5% proposal stays the same.
3. Reduced Working Week
From 1 April 2026, NHS Scotland staff will work 1.5 fewer hours per week with no loss of pay. This effectively increases the hourly rate beyond the headline percentage.
England has no equivalent agreement.
Scotland Pay Rise Comparison: 2025/26 vs 2026/27
| Year | Scotland | England |
|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | 4.25% (paid) | 3.6% (paid) |
| 2026/27 | 3.75% (confirmed) | 2.5% (proposed, not final) |
| Total | 8% | ~6% |
Scottish NHS staff receive approximately £1,500–£3,700 more than English counterparts at equivalent bands by April 2027.
Scotland NHS Pay Scales 2026/27 (Confirmed)
These figures are official and confirmed by the Scottish Government.
Bands 1–4
| Band | Point | 2026/27 Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | 1 | £26,519 | £14.13 |
| Band 2 | 1 | £26,658 | £14.20 |
| Band 2 | 2 | £28,947 | £15.42 |
| Band 3 | 1 | £29,061 | £15.48 |
| Band 3 | 2 | £31,364 | £16.71 |
| Band 4 | 1 | £31,492 | £16.78 |
| Band 4 | 2 | £34,254 | £18.25 |
Bands 5–7
| Band | Point | 2026/27 Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band 5 | 1 | £34,494 | £18.38 |
| Band 5 | 2 | £36,857 | £19.63 |
| Band 5 | 3 | £42,977 | £22.89 |
| Band 6 | 1 | £43,169 | £23.00 |
| Band 6 | 2 | £45,070 | £24.01 |
| Band 6 | 3 | £52,603 | £28.02 |
| Band 7 | 1 | £52,769 | £28.11 |
| Band 7 | 2 | £54,784 | £29.18 |
| Band 7 | 3 | £61,377 | £32.70 |
Bands 8–9
| Band | Point | 2026/27 Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band 8a | 1 | £65,032 | £34.64 |
| Band 8a | 2 | £70,202 | £37.40 |
| Band 8b | 1 | £76,778 | £40.90 |
| Band 8b | 2 | £82,133 | £43.75 |
| Band 8c | 1 | £90,678 | £48.31 |
| Band 8c | 2 | £97,199 | £51.78 |
| Band 8d | 1 | £107,655 | £57.35 |
| Band 8d | 2 | £112,264 | £59.81 |
| Band 9 | 1 | £127,338 | £67.84 |
| Band 9 | 2 | £132,853 | £70.77 |
When Will Scottish Staff Be Paid?
| Financial Year | Pay Rise | Effective Date | Expected Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | 4.25% | 1 April 2025 | Already paid (August 2025) |
| 2026/27 | 3.75% | 1 April 2026 | Expected April–May 2026 |
Because the deal was agreed in advance, Scottish staff should see their 2026/27 pay rise implemented much faster than in previous years — potentially in April or May 2026 rather than waiting until autumn.
What About Allowances?
The 3.75% increase applies to:
- Basic pay
- All Agenda for Change allowances
- Recruitment and Retention Premium (RRP)
- Two-Tier Agreement provisions
This means your total package increases, not just basic salary.
Scotland Minimum Wage Comparison
Scotland’s deal keeps all staff well above the National Minimum Wage.
| Role | England Hourly (2026/27 projected) | Scotland Hourly (2026/27 confirmed) | NMW April 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band 2 Entry | £12.83 | £14.20 | £12.71 |
| Band 3 Entry | £13.07 | £15.48 | £12.71 |
Scottish Band 2 staff earn £1.49/hour more than the minimum wage. English Band 2 staff earn just 12p more — barely legal.
Union Reaction to Scotland’s Deal
RCN Scotland: Members voted to accept. The union highlighted the inflation guarantee and working week reduction as major wins.
UNISON Scotland: Welcomed the deal as proof that direct negotiations work better than the PRB process.
Unions in England are now using Scotland’s deal as evidence to demand the same approach south of the border.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the NHS Scotland pay rise for 2026/27?
NHS Scotland staff will receive a 3.75% pay rise from 1 April 2026. This is the second year of a 2-year deal that totals 8% across both years. The increase also includes an inflation guarantee.
When will Scottish NHS staff be paid the 2026/27 rise?
Because the deal was agreed in advance, payment is expected on or close to 1 April 2026 — much earlier than England, where staff typically wait until autumn.
Does Scotland’s deal include an inflation guarantee?
Yes. The Scottish deal guarantees pay rises will be at least 1 percentage point above CPI inflation each year. If inflation exceeds expectations, staff get more than the headline 3.75%.
Is the working week changing in NHS Scotland?
Yes. From 1 April 2026, NHS Scotland staff will work 1.5 fewer hours per week with no reduction in pay. This effectively increases the hourly rate beyond the 3.75% headline figure.
Why is Scotland’s deal better than England’s?
Scotland negotiated directly with the government rather than using the Pay Review Body. This delivered a higher percentage (3.75% vs 2.5% proposed), inflation protection, and a shorter working week — none of which England has agreed.