Staff delivering culture and leisure services across
Scotland are coming under increasing pressure as job losses and lack of
investment make their work increasingly difficult.
This is the finding of a report from UNISON, While wework you play - staff in Scotland’s leisure trusts speak out.
A survey of culture and leisure staff by UNISON found that
over half regularly work more than their contracted hours and seventy one
percent say that morale in their workplace has gone down in recent years.
Staff say they are under increasing pressure as staff leave and are not
replaced
The survey examines Sport Scotland figures on charging for
services and discovers that prices for popular sporting activities have
been increasing over the cost of inflation.
Workers cite declining staff numbers and poorer quality
services as key factors in their discontent.
Dave Watson, UNISON head of bargaining and campaigns
said, ‘In recent years almost every local authority has gone down the road
of outsourcing culture and leisure services to a trust. This was meant to bring
in new investment and all round service improvements. That hasn’t happened –
and we need Councils to take a serious look at this sector so they can improve
services and staff morale’
‘The findings in this report are predictable. Unfortunately
we are hearing the same story from public sector workers across Scotland. They
are under pressure to deliver more services, with less staff and less
resources. Jobs are being cut and are not being replaced, and their pay is
falling behind the cost of living. As this report shows staff are doing their
level best but find it very stressful working harder for less pay but seeing
the quality of the services to the public decline.’
END
Notes for editor
·
UNISON is the largest trade union in Scotland.
It is the public services trade union.
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