At least 424 public sector workers in Scotland were suspended with full pay in 2025-26, the Scottish Conservatives can reveal today (Monday).
A Freedom of Information Request from the party uncovered that 239 council staff were suspended during this period, as well as 100 employees from Scottish Government agencies and 85 NHS staff, mostly for misconduct.
Some of the staff suspended were on six-figure salaries, including one NHS Borders staff member who earns £115,000 while the true number is likely to be much higher as the data only captures suspensions up until November 2025.
Public service reform spokesman Murdo Fraser has described the situation as a “shocking waste of taxpayers’ money.”
He has urged the SNP government to get a grip on this process and stop forcing hard-pressed Scots to foot an ever-increasing bill for drawn-out suspensions.
Scottish Conservative public service reform spokesman Murdo Fraser MSP said: “This situation is a shocking waste of taxpayers’ money.
“While public sector workers deserve a fair hearing, these investigations cannot be allowed to drag on indefinitely.
“Every day these suspensions continue, the bill for hard-pressed Scots rises, while the SNP government’s ability to deliver public services is weakened.
“SNP ministers must urgently get a grip on this process. The need to ensure these outstanding cases are concluded as quickly as possible and stop forcing taxpayers to foot the bill for endless delays.”
Notes
In 2025-26, up to November, 424 public sector staff were suspended with full pay. 100 employees from Scottish Government agencies were suspended, 239 council staff and 85 NHS staff were suspended over this period. (Scottish Conservative FOI, Available on Request).
Some of the staff suspended were on salaries of up to £115,000. One member of staff at NHS Borders was suspended on full pay on a salary of £115,815. (Scottish Conservative FOI, Available on Request).