Members of two main NHS unions in Scotland have voted to accept an improved wage offer.

This ends the risk of a health service strike by Unison and Unite members.

But a ballot of members of the Royal College of Nursing is underway and closes on December 19.

The Scottish government reached an improved pay deal of 7.5% on average for healthcare workers threatening to go on strike last month.

The offer will see most NHS workers in Scotland get a raise of just over £2,200 a year.

Unite has confirmed that 64% of its health sector members have voted to accept the proposal which was tabled following discussions involving unions, Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Health Secretary Humza Yousaf and NHS Scotland .

Sharon Graham, Unite General Secretary, said: “The improved offer for NHS Scotland workers, worth over 11% on the lowest pay brackets, is a testament to the determination of our members.

“They were ready to take the difficult step of industrial action, but only because they had no other choice.

“Unite makes no apologies for fighting for better jobs, pay and conditions in the health service, because NHS Scotland workers should be fairly rewarded for the exceptional work they do day in and day out. »

Unison, Scotland’s largest NHS union, announced that 57% of health members had voted to accept the offer after a digital ballot closed at midday.

The union said negotiators would now work with the Scottish Government, NHS employers and other unions to address the award of wages as soon as possible.

Wilma Brown, chair of Unison’s health committee in Scotland, said: “Although this decision ends the immediate threat of industrial action, it is not a victory for the government – it is a warning .

“It was far from a unanimous decision and many NHS professionals feel very disappointed.

“Almost half of Unison NHS staff voted to reject this latest salary offer, and many of those who voted to accept it did so reluctantly. »

Last month the RCN, which has yet to confirm strike dates after members across the UK voted to take action, said the new offer “still falls short of the expectations of our members “.

He had asked for at least 5% above inflation, which is currently 11.1%.

The Scottish government previously said the new deal was a “record pay offer” for frontline workers, including nurses, paramedics, allied health professionals and healthcare support staff.

Annual pay rises under the latest deal would range from a lump sum payment of £2,205 for staff in Bands 1-4 and up to £2,660 for staff in Bands 5-7, retroactive to April .

This represents an increase of 11.3% for the lowest paid workers and an average increase of 7.5%, a government spokesperson said.