Nicola Sturgeon torn apart for Scotland’s NHS pay rise boast – ‘It’s funded by UK cash!’
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Nicola Sturgeon took to Twitter last night to announce the Scottish Government had agreed a pay rise four times larger than the one proposed by Boris Johnson. But social media users have responded to her post with fury, with many saying Westminster was responsible for a large proportion of Scottish money.
The Scottish First Minister wrote on Twitter: “Our NHS staff deserve more than applause and 1 percent is not enough.
“@scotgov is offering a 4 percent pay rise, which would deliver guaranteed minimum increase of £1000 for those earning less than £25,000 & 5.4 percent increase for staff on lowest pay band…and all backdated to December 2020.”
But instead of being heaped with praise for the move, social media users questioned Ms Sturgeon’s motives.
Several people accused the SNP leader of “bribing” Scots to vote for her party in the upcoming elections.
One person wrote: “Buying more votes before the election Nicola?”
Another user said: “This is also a massive bribe and a poor way of securing votes to get back in, because these workers shouldn’t have needed to wait a few weeks before an election to get this money.
“It kinda shows you actually care more about their votes, than them on the work they do.”
A third wrote: “This is grotesque & cynical electioneering, with the simple aim of buying votes.
“Scotland is required by law to balance its books and any shortfall has to be covered by UJ taxpayers (because Scotland cannot access global capital markets). Yet more UK sovereign debt issuance!”
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Dozens of other social media users were quick to point out the Scottish government is heavily subsidised by Westminster.
One person wrote: “Say thanks to Westminster for all the money you get it’s a good vote bribe though.”
Another user said: “Without the money from WM you wouldn’t be able to do this.
“I just hope it isn’t another empty promise just to get votes.”
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A third person said: “If the rest of the UK benefited as much per capita as a result of the Barnett formula as Scotland does then public sector pay rises could be a lot more generous in England too.”
Another person wrote: “Funded by UK cash.”
Other social media users asked if other front line workers would also be recognised for their efforts during the pandemic.
One person said: “What about everyone else who has been a key worker over this pandemic??!
“The businesses who have keep there doors open and now we face an increase on corporation task and vat???!
“Yes absolutely I thank the NHS so much for what they have done! But don’t forget the rest.”
Another user said: “Great News for the NHS Staff… However Will other essential Public Sector staff be rewarded ? Or shall they be helping fund this…”
Mr Johnson has come under fire for offering NHS staff a pay rise of one percent.
An independent panel will make its own pay recommendations in May.
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