SNP Delivers Pay Rise for Scotland’s Public Sector Workers

The SNP Government has delivered a welcome pay uplift for public sector workers right across Scotland. More than half a million staff — including police, fire and prison officers, social care workers, nurses, teachers, and local government employees — have now received their increase for 2026/27 and, in most cases, 2027/28 too.

Across Scotland, workers will see at least a 3.5% rise this year, with many receiving 4% before Christmas. At a time of soaring energy prices and stubbornly high food bills, this support matters.

No other government in the UK has secured so many multi-year deals for public sector workers. That stability gives families some much-needed certainty for the year ahead.

As I’ve said before, the contrast between the SNP and Labour couldn’t be sharper. We’re putting money into people’s pockets; they’re taking it out. While the Labour government at Westminster damages the economy and strips money from Scotland through their rise in employers’ National Insurance Contributions, the SNP under John Swinney is focused on supporting households across Scotland.

With lower water bills than the rest of the UK, the scrapping of peak rail fares, and free prescriptions and tuition, the SNP continues to bring down everyday costs. Scotland deserves better than being treated as an afterthought. A fresh start with independence is the path that puts Scotland first.