Local MSP Jackie Baillie has slammed increased registration fees for health and care workers, after a 12.5% increase was voted through at the Holyrood Health and Sport Committee this week by the SNP.

The fees are paid to the regulator, the Health and Care Professions Council, by workers such as psychologists, therapists, podiatrists and chiropodists.

Scottish Labour moved a motion to block the changes, only to see it voted through by SNP MSPs.

Jackie said:

“It is hugely disappointing that the SNP would not support Scottish Labour’s motion to block increased fees for our health and care workers.

“Only last year fees were increased by 5% and workers were assured that there would be no increases for two years. Instead they will be hit with an inflation busting increase when their pay has barely increased at all.

“The barriers to those workers, usually women, taking a career break are being increased and our governments have failed to ensure an equality impact assessment before proposing these changes.

“SNP MSPs had a chance to support workers across the UK in sending this measure back for further consideration but they chose not to do so.”