NHS STAFF SET FOR BETTER PAY OFFER

Yousaf says he'll do everything in his power to avoid health service strike

- LUCINDA CRICHTON

HEALTH Secretary Humza Yousaf said he will make a "significantly improved" pay offer to NHS workers when he next meets trade unions.

Yousaf added that he'll do everything to prevent industrial action after the five per cent pay rise offered by the Scottish Government was rejected Unison began balloting more than 50,000 health workers on strike action on Monday, recommending members vote for walkouts, while the Royal College of Midwives in Scotland opened its ballot last month.

The Royal College of Nursing will begin balloting its members in Scotland tomorrow, while Unite is also due to ask its members if they want to take strike action.