Nurses in Scotland are to go on strike early in 2023 after the Royal College of Nursing “overwhelmingly” rejected the latest pay offer from the Scottish government.

In the consultative ballot, which closed at midday on Monday, 82% of union members who voted rejected the offer.

RCN Scotland said it will continue planning for strike action in NHS Scotland employers and, early in the new year, will announce dates for strike action.

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After negotiations with the government, the deal offered pay rises ranging from £2,205 to £2,751.

Ministers said the offer meant NHS workers in Scotland would remain the best paid in the UK.

However, Julie Lamberth, RCN Scotland board chair, said that asking members whether to accept or reject the offer was “the right thing”.

She added: “It directly affects their lives and each eligible member needed to be given the chance to have their say.

“The result could not be clearer – we have forcefully rejected what the Scottish Government said is its ‘best and final’ offer.

“Make no mistake – we do not want to go on strike. Years of being undervalued and understaffed have left us feeling we have been left with no option because enough is enough.

“The ball is in the Scottish Government’s court if strike action is going to be avoided.”