UNITE welcomed a three-year pay rise offer yesterday for NHS Scotland staff of at least 9 per cent.

But the union’s regional officer James O’Connell said that it would be up to members to decide if it would be enough to make up 20 per cent in lost earnings since 2010.

He said: “After eight long years of pay austerity, the deal at least begins to recognise that the harsh pay regime imposed on hard-working and dedicated NHS staff here in Scotland can no longer be sustained.