What’s happened 

The Royal College of Podiatry (RCPod) and other NHS trade unions in Scotland have submitted a pay claim to the Scottish Government for the period 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2028.  

The joint claim covers all NHS Scotland staff employed under Agenda for Change (AfC).  

The unions are seeking: 

• a significant above-inflation increase to all pay rates and allowances, reflecting the cost of living in Scotland and losses in previous years 

• a commitment to future pay increases linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus an additional percentage 

• implementation of outstanding pay modernisation proposals from the 2023/24 pay round, alongside any agreed pay increase 

• further changes to AfC pay and conditions, including fairer arrangements for allowances such as the Distant Islands Allowance, on-call payments and subsistence 

Why this matters to members 

The joint claim marks the start of pay negotiations for 2027/28. 

Most podiatrists working in NHS Scotland are employed under Agenda for Change, so the outcome of these negotiations will directly affect their pay. 

The claim also seeks changes to the wider pay structure, including progression through pay bands and pay on promotion. 

What happens next 

Unlike in England, Agenda for Change pay in Scotland is negotiated directly between NHS trade unions and the Scottish Government.  

The joint claim has been submitted to the Cabinet Secretary for Health. The RCPod will keep NHS members in Scotland informed as negotiations progress.  

The RCPod will keep NHS members in Scotland informed of progress.