Date: Wed 2 Sep 2009
UNISON, Scotland’s leading public sector trade union, today slammed a proposal for privatisation of huge swathes of public services - including health and education - "from the people who brought you the economic collapse".
UNISON Scottish Organiser Dave Watson said that a speech proposing "major reform" of Scottish public services with "health and education opened up to competition from the private sector" by the Chief Executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Ron Hewitt was an attempt to create a panic reponse to current economic problems.
Dave Watson said:
"It is pretty incredible that leading representatives of big private business interests should be demanding more control over our public services. This comes from the people who brought you the economic collapse.
"We see this idea from the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce as yet another attempt by private interests to create a panic reponse to current economic problems - which have in fact been brought on by the private sector itself, with the big banks being the main culprits.
"In the frantic calls for still more privatisation I am reminded of a gambler who imagines that one last throw of the dice will solve everything.
"In reality, it is the public sector which has stood up to the economic crisis. We need to see more support for our public services from government, and not less. That is what the public wants too."
An Ipsos Mori poll conducted for UNISON in August showed that support for public service remains strong. In particular it showed that increased private involvement in running public services such as the NHS attracts little support. The poll found that over three quarters of the British public (78%) believe "health services should be run by the Government and public organisations, rather than by private companies".
ends
For Further Information Please Contact:
Dave Watson(Scottish Organiser) 07958 122 409(m)
Malcolm Burns (Information Development Officer) 0141 342 2811
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UNISON. Scotland's biggest and liveliest trade union, representing members delivering public and related services.
Wednesday, 2 September 2009
Thursday, 27 August 2009
UNISON warns CoSLA ‘ Back off on pay freeze’
Date: Thursday 27 August 2009
In advance of discussions by council leaders at CoSLA tomorrow (Friday), UNISON, the largest union representing Scottish local council workers, warned council bosses not to threaten a five year pay cut, and to enter pay negotiations with an open mind.
Leaked discussion documents have suggested that up to a five year pay freeze will be on the table as council leaders sit down behind closed doors to discuss their response to the current recession.
Matt Smith, UNISON’s Scottish Secretary said:
"CoSLA leaders would be well advised to back off from any decision to freeze pay at all, far less for five years. Leaked papers suggest that CoSLA recognise the serious problem of low pay in local councils. Any freeze would increase that problem, de-motivate the workforce, impact negatively on services and damage communities.
"Knee jerk reaction to financial difficulties is no way to run local government. It is completely unfair that low-paid cooks, cleaners, care workers and clerical staff should be told that they are to pay the price of the financial incompetence of well-heeled bankers and financiers. Council leaders should talk to staff trade unions about funding, council tax and business rates rather than threatening their staff."
Dougie Black, UNISON Regional Organiser and lead negotiator said:
"It is disgraceful that CoSLA could think it is acceptable to threaten pay cuts to staff that deliver our services. There are appropriate bargaining arrangements to discuss pay. Why doesn’t CoSLA use these rather than leaking material to the media?
"Despite the persistent claims of the private sector, council staff are not well-paid, and have had below inflation pay increases in four out of the last five years. To suggest that it is acceptable for them to continue to have their pay cut for the next five years seems to indicate a macho, bullying attitude that CoSLA would do well to avoid, unless they are keen to provoke a dispute."
The previous pay agreement of a two-year deal ended with the award of 2.5% in April this year.
Negotiations for future years pay increases are scheduled to start in the autumn.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Matt Smith, Scottish Secretary 07771 548 997(m)
Dougie Black, Regional Officer – Secretary, TU negotiators 07958 121 851(m)
Chris Bartter, Communications Officer 07715 583 729(m)
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In advance of discussions by council leaders at CoSLA tomorrow (Friday), UNISON, the largest union representing Scottish local council workers, warned council bosses not to threaten a five year pay cut, and to enter pay negotiations with an open mind.
Leaked discussion documents have suggested that up to a five year pay freeze will be on the table as council leaders sit down behind closed doors to discuss their response to the current recession.
Matt Smith, UNISON’s Scottish Secretary said:
"CoSLA leaders would be well advised to back off from any decision to freeze pay at all, far less for five years. Leaked papers suggest that CoSLA recognise the serious problem of low pay in local councils. Any freeze would increase that problem, de-motivate the workforce, impact negatively on services and damage communities.
"Knee jerk reaction to financial difficulties is no way to run local government. It is completely unfair that low-paid cooks, cleaners, care workers and clerical staff should be told that they are to pay the price of the financial incompetence of well-heeled bankers and financiers. Council leaders should talk to staff trade unions about funding, council tax and business rates rather than threatening their staff."
Dougie Black, UNISON Regional Organiser and lead negotiator said:
"It is disgraceful that CoSLA could think it is acceptable to threaten pay cuts to staff that deliver our services. There are appropriate bargaining arrangements to discuss pay. Why doesn’t CoSLA use these rather than leaking material to the media?
"Despite the persistent claims of the private sector, council staff are not well-paid, and have had below inflation pay increases in four out of the last five years. To suggest that it is acceptable for them to continue to have their pay cut for the next five years seems to indicate a macho, bullying attitude that CoSLA would do well to avoid, unless they are keen to provoke a dispute."
The previous pay agreement of a two-year deal ended with the award of 2.5% in April this year.
Negotiations for future years pay increases are scheduled to start in the autumn.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Matt Smith, Scottish Secretary 07771 548 997(m)
Dougie Black, Regional Officer – Secretary, TU negotiators 07958 121 851(m)
Chris Bartter, Communications Officer 07715 583 729(m)
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Wednesday, 19 August 2009
Social work union welcomes Brandon Muir reports
Wednesday 19 August 2009
UNISON, the union representing Scotland’s social work staff, today welcomed the two reports into the Brandon Muir case in Dundee.
Rory Malone, Dundee UNISON Branch Secretary said;
"At a time when some press and politicians appear to queue up to blame social work staff each time a family tragedy like this occurs, we welcome the findings of these independent and authoritative reports that no blame falls on members in Social Work.
"Dundee’s social care staff work very hard, often in difficult circumstances, to try and protect our children and all feel tragedies like this deeply. It is simply not possible to eradicate all risks, but UNISON has gone on record to identify a range of steps that can be taken to improve the position of social work staff and reduce that risk."*
UNISON has already started work with Dundee City Council to address some of the issues in the social work and will continue to discuss ways to implement recommendations in the report.
ENDS
Note for editors:
*Helping people change their lives - UNISON/BASW manifesto for Scotland’s Social Work, outlines 10 issues that need to be tackled to improve the position of social work staff and the services they provide. http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/socialwork/swmanifesto25june2009.pdf
For Further Information Please Contact:
Rory Malone (Dundee UNISON Branch Secretary) 07595 893067 (m)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0771 558 3729(m)
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UNISON, the union representing Scotland’s social work staff, today welcomed the two reports into the Brandon Muir case in Dundee.
Rory Malone, Dundee UNISON Branch Secretary said;
"At a time when some press and politicians appear to queue up to blame social work staff each time a family tragedy like this occurs, we welcome the findings of these independent and authoritative reports that no blame falls on members in Social Work.
"Dundee’s social care staff work very hard, often in difficult circumstances, to try and protect our children and all feel tragedies like this deeply. It is simply not possible to eradicate all risks, but UNISON has gone on record to identify a range of steps that can be taken to improve the position of social work staff and reduce that risk."*
UNISON has already started work with Dundee City Council to address some of the issues in the social work and will continue to discuss ways to implement recommendations in the report.
ENDS
Note for editors:
*Helping people change their lives - UNISON/BASW manifesto for Scotland’s Social Work, outlines 10 issues that need to be tackled to improve the position of social work staff and the services they provide. http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/socialwork/swmanifesto25june2009.pdf
For Further Information Please Contact:
Rory Malone (Dundee UNISON Branch Secretary) 07595 893067 (m)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0771 558 3729(m)
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Tuesday, 11 August 2009
Tories' privatisation agenda out of touch: UNISON
Tuesday 11 August 2009
Publicly funded hospitals and schools are still vote clinchers, and the Tories' privatisation agenda is out of touch with voters, according to a survey conducted for UNISON.
Despite worries about the economy, how the Government runs our hospitals is still at the top of people’s lists in deciding how to vote at the next general election. The results of the survey show the Tories latest plans for the public services are out of touch with public opinion. Their so-called “reform” of public services is nothing but thinly-disguised “privatisation”.
In an Ipsos MORI survey conducted for UNISON, 96% say the NHS will be an important factor in deciding how they vote at the next general election. This compares to the economy (important for 93%), crime (92%), public services (85%), schools (85%) and Britain’s relationship with Europe (70%).
The NHS is highly prized by the public with 76% believing it is crucial to British society and “we must do everything to maintain it”. Only 22% think that it “was a great project, but we probably can’t maintain it in its current form”.
Three-quarters of the public (75%) believe the NHS should be “run by the public sector to encourage a joined-up service”, with little support (21%) for it to be “run by the private sector to encourage competition” 78% believe that the health service should be run by the Government and public organisations, rather than by private companies and 73% agreed that people who provide health services should be employed by the NHS rather than by private companies.
UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis, said: “Although the economy is clearly a worry for many people, this polling shows the massive support that our NHS and public services have amongst the public. They don’t want them privatised, there is no appetite for competition in the services nor for profit-chasing. People have shown what we have always argued that most want good local schools and hospitals provide by dedicated public servants.
“The Tories are completely out of kilter with public opinion. Shadow Chancellor Osborne’s claims to have “progressive” ideas are nothing but cheap window-dressing.
“The Government should take note. If it is to have any chance of re-election next year, it must listen to what the people want.”
Ipsos MORI interviewed a sample of 1,001 British adults, plus a booster of 251 public sector workers, all age 18 and over by telephone between 12-14 June 2009. Data are weighted to the profile of the adult population 18+, and include a weight for public vs. private sector workers. The final weighted data indicate that 17% belong to a trade union.
The survey found that public sector workers have similar views to the general population.
Factors which will be important for public sector workers in deciding how to vote in the next general election are: the NHS (important for 96%); the economy (95%); crime (92%); public services (90%); schools (90%); Britain’s relationship with Europe (73%). 77% believe the NHS is crucial to British society; 81% believe it should be run by the public sector to encourage a joined-up service; 86% think that the NHS should be run by the Government not private companies and 79% agree that people providing health services should be employed by the NHS rather than by private companies.
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Publicly funded hospitals and schools are still vote clinchers, and the Tories' privatisation agenda is out of touch with voters, according to a survey conducted for UNISON.
Despite worries about the economy, how the Government runs our hospitals is still at the top of people’s lists in deciding how to vote at the next general election. The results of the survey show the Tories latest plans for the public services are out of touch with public opinion. Their so-called “reform” of public services is nothing but thinly-disguised “privatisation”.
In an Ipsos MORI survey conducted for UNISON, 96% say the NHS will be an important factor in deciding how they vote at the next general election. This compares to the economy (important for 93%), crime (92%), public services (85%), schools (85%) and Britain’s relationship with Europe (70%).
The NHS is highly prized by the public with 76% believing it is crucial to British society and “we must do everything to maintain it”. Only 22% think that it “was a great project, but we probably can’t maintain it in its current form”.
Three-quarters of the public (75%) believe the NHS should be “run by the public sector to encourage a joined-up service”, with little support (21%) for it to be “run by the private sector to encourage competition” 78% believe that the health service should be run by the Government and public organisations, rather than by private companies and 73% agreed that people who provide health services should be employed by the NHS rather than by private companies.
UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis, said: “Although the economy is clearly a worry for many people, this polling shows the massive support that our NHS and public services have amongst the public. They don’t want them privatised, there is no appetite for competition in the services nor for profit-chasing. People have shown what we have always argued that most want good local schools and hospitals provide by dedicated public servants.
“The Tories are completely out of kilter with public opinion. Shadow Chancellor Osborne’s claims to have “progressive” ideas are nothing but cheap window-dressing.
“The Government should take note. If it is to have any chance of re-election next year, it must listen to what the people want.”
Ipsos MORI interviewed a sample of 1,001 British adults, plus a booster of 251 public sector workers, all age 18 and over by telephone between 12-14 June 2009. Data are weighted to the profile of the adult population 18+, and include a weight for public vs. private sector workers. The final weighted data indicate that 17% belong to a trade union.
The survey found that public sector workers have similar views to the general population.
Factors which will be important for public sector workers in deciding how to vote in the next general election are: the NHS (important for 96%); the economy (95%); crime (92%); public services (90%); schools (90%); Britain’s relationship with Europe (73%). 77% believe the NHS is crucial to British society; 81% believe it should be run by the public sector to encourage a joined-up service; 86% think that the NHS should be run by the Government not private companies and 79% agree that people providing health services should be employed by the NHS rather than by private companies.
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Thursday, 6 August 2009
New Children’s Hearing system will increase risk to vulnerable children – UNISON
Date: Thurs 6 August 2009
UNISON – the union that represents workers staffing Scotland’s Children’s Panel system, and social care staff protecting vulnerable children – has submitted responses to the Scottish Government strongly criticising their proposed reorganisation of Children’s Hearings (CH).
Both UNISON’s Scottish Children’s Reporters’ Administration (SCRA) Branch and the Scottish Council of the union have submitted responses which point out that the proposals remove protections for children that are currently in place, that they set up a whole new bureaucracy which could add confusion and increase paperwork, and that they move decision-making power away from Children’s Hearings and towards the courts.
The union, which represents social work staff working in local authorities is concerned that the reforms could undermine existing protections.
Kate Ramsden, from UNISON’s Scottish Social Work Issues Group said “We are seriously concerned that the Bill actually removes current protections from children who could be at risk in an abusive household, and also that children will only be referred for voluntary advice and assistance if they have already been subject to compulsory supervision. These are just some of many examples of the draft bill concentrating on the civil rights of adults at the expense of the rights of the children to be protected.”
The establishment of a new quango is likely to lead to a dual administration, meaning increased potential for confusion, and increased bureaucracy.
Yvonne Stewart, UNISON SCRA branch secretary said “The creation of a Scottish Children’s Hearing Tribunal (SCHT) and the split in the administration of the children’s hearing system can only lead to increased bureaucracy and a greater possibility of confusion and error. This will lead to a more complex system for children, families and other professionals to engage with, and increased cost while also increasing the risk to children.”
John Stevenson, from UNISON’s Scottish Social Work Issues Group agrees “The double bureaucracy proposed here is likely to add to, rather than reduce, the amount of paperwork social workers have to fill in. This is despite all the evidence that shows the level of form-filling is a major factor reducing the time social workers can spend with looked-after children.”
UNISON is also concerned about a shift of powers towards the courts.
John Stevenson said "The ability of a court to completely rehear a case decided by a Children’s Hearing and other changes means cases are more likely to be decided in an adversarial atmosphere of a court of law, rather than the hearing setting of all parties discussing the best option for a child.”
"We understand that some changes are needed to comply with the European Convention on Human Rights but those changes have already been made. UNISON believes the welfare principle of Scotland's world-leading Children's Hearing system is worth defending. We are worried that this draft bill is less child-centred than the existing ground-breaking legislation."
The vast majority of cases Children's Hearings deal with are about the care and protection of children - 40,000 out of 50,000 referrals last year - rather than offences.
UNISON will be seeking a meeting with ministers to urge them to redraft the bill to ensure that the welfare principle becomes the centre of any new legislation.
ENDS
Notes for editors: UNISON’s responses can be found on the Scottish website at www.unison-scotland.org.uk/response/childrenshearing.pdf and www.unison-scotland.org.uk/response/SCRAUNISONchildrenshearingresponse.pdf
More information at www.unison-scotland.org.uk/socialwork
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UNISON – the union that represents workers staffing Scotland’s Children’s Panel system, and social care staff protecting vulnerable children – has submitted responses to the Scottish Government strongly criticising their proposed reorganisation of Children’s Hearings (CH).
Both UNISON’s Scottish Children’s Reporters’ Administration (SCRA) Branch and the Scottish Council of the union have submitted responses which point out that the proposals remove protections for children that are currently in place, that they set up a whole new bureaucracy which could add confusion and increase paperwork, and that they move decision-making power away from Children’s Hearings and towards the courts.
The union, which represents social work staff working in local authorities is concerned that the reforms could undermine existing protections.
Kate Ramsden, from UNISON’s Scottish Social Work Issues Group said “We are seriously concerned that the Bill actually removes current protections from children who could be at risk in an abusive household, and also that children will only be referred for voluntary advice and assistance if they have already been subject to compulsory supervision. These are just some of many examples of the draft bill concentrating on the civil rights of adults at the expense of the rights of the children to be protected.”
The establishment of a new quango is likely to lead to a dual administration, meaning increased potential for confusion, and increased bureaucracy.
Yvonne Stewart, UNISON SCRA branch secretary said “The creation of a Scottish Children’s Hearing Tribunal (SCHT) and the split in the administration of the children’s hearing system can only lead to increased bureaucracy and a greater possibility of confusion and error. This will lead to a more complex system for children, families and other professionals to engage with, and increased cost while also increasing the risk to children.”
John Stevenson, from UNISON’s Scottish Social Work Issues Group agrees “The double bureaucracy proposed here is likely to add to, rather than reduce, the amount of paperwork social workers have to fill in. This is despite all the evidence that shows the level of form-filling is a major factor reducing the time social workers can spend with looked-after children.”
UNISON is also concerned about a shift of powers towards the courts.
John Stevenson said "The ability of a court to completely rehear a case decided by a Children’s Hearing and other changes means cases are more likely to be decided in an adversarial atmosphere of a court of law, rather than the hearing setting of all parties discussing the best option for a child.”
"We understand that some changes are needed to comply with the European Convention on Human Rights but those changes have already been made. UNISON believes the welfare principle of Scotland's world-leading Children's Hearing system is worth defending. We are worried that this draft bill is less child-centred than the existing ground-breaking legislation."
The vast majority of cases Children's Hearings deal with are about the care and protection of children - 40,000 out of 50,000 referrals last year - rather than offences.
UNISON will be seeking a meeting with ministers to urge them to redraft the bill to ensure that the welfare principle becomes the centre of any new legislation.
ENDS
Notes for editors: UNISON’s responses can be found on the Scottish website at www.unison-scotland.org.uk/response/childrenshearing.pdf and www.unison-scotland.org.uk/response/SCRAUNISONchildrenshearingresponse.pdf
More information at www.unison-scotland.org.uk/socialwork
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Wednesday, 5 August 2009
Royal Assent for Scotland's world leading climate legislation
Attn: News Desks
Immediate Release
5th August 2009
QUEEN APPROVES SCOTLAND’S WORLD-LEADING
CLIMATE CHANGE LEGISLATION
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II today made history by giving Royal Assent to The Scottish Climate Change Bill, the strongest piece of climate change legislation in the world.
The world-leading Act sets vital international precedents and an example for other wealthy nations to follow ahead of the UN’s climate change talks in Copenhagen in December, which will agree a replacement to the Kyoto Protocol.
The new legislation enshrines in law Scotland’s obligation to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by at least 42 per cent by 2020 and 80 per cent by 2050. Other rich countries need to adopt similar cuts to their emissions if catastrophic climate change is to be averted.
Queen Elizabeth signed the historic Act during a visit to her estate in Balmoral in Scotland. The Climate Change (Scotland) Bill was unanimously voted through the Scottish Parliament on 24th June this year.
Immediate Release
5th August 2009
QUEEN APPROVES SCOTLAND’S WORLD-LEADING
CLIMATE CHANGE LEGISLATION
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II today made history by giving Royal Assent to The Scottish Climate Change Bill, the strongest piece of climate change legislation in the world.
The world-leading Act sets vital international precedents and an example for other wealthy nations to follow ahead of the UN’s climate change talks in Copenhagen in December, which will agree a replacement to the Kyoto Protocol.
The new legislation enshrines in law Scotland’s obligation to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by at least 42 per cent by 2020 and 80 per cent by 2050. Other rich countries need to adopt similar cuts to their emissions if catastrophic climate change is to be averted.
Queen Elizabeth signed the historic Act during a visit to her estate in Balmoral in Scotland. The Climate Change (Scotland) Bill was unanimously voted through the Scottish Parliament on 24th June this year.
Leading elements of the Scottish Act include:
· At least a 42% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 (based on 1990 levels)
· At least an 80% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (based on 1990 levels)
· Emissions from international aviation & shipping included from the start;
· Commitment to report annually on consumption-based emissions;
· Strong duty across the public sector to play a full part in tackling Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Cardinal Keith O’Brien, Scotland’s most senior Catholic clergyman and climate change campaigner said:
“Scotland is setting a crucial example to the rich countries of the world in efforts to prevent the unnecessary suffering of millions of innocent people through ever-worsening climate change. The scientific consensus is clear; unless rich nations make early and deep cuts to their emissions, as Scotland has agreed to do, the situation will get much worse.
“Wealthy countries have an unequivocal moral duty to reduce their own emissions and help developing countries who are already suffering the consequences of our profligate use of fossil fuels for economic gain.
· At least a 42% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 (based on 1990 levels)
· At least an 80% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (based on 1990 levels)
· Emissions from international aviation & shipping included from the start;
· Commitment to report annually on consumption-based emissions;
· Strong duty across the public sector to play a full part in tackling Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Cardinal Keith O’Brien, Scotland’s most senior Catholic clergyman and climate change campaigner said:
“Scotland is setting a crucial example to the rich countries of the world in efforts to prevent the unnecessary suffering of millions of innocent people through ever-worsening climate change. The scientific consensus is clear; unless rich nations make early and deep cuts to their emissions, as Scotland has agreed to do, the situation will get much worse.
“Wealthy countries have an unequivocal moral duty to reduce their own emissions and help developing countries who are already suffering the consequences of our profligate use of fossil fuels for economic gain.
“Scotland has had the courage to set a vital international precedent with its Climate Change (Scotland) Act. Others must follow this lead now if we are to have a long, safe, and prosperous future for humanity on earth.”
Stewart Stevenson, Minister for Climate Change in the Scottish Government, said:
“The Scottish Government recognises that climate change will have far reaching effects on Scotland's economy, its people and its environment and is determined to play its part in rising to this challenge.
“The world-leading legislation introduces targets to reduce emissions by at least 80 per cent by 2050, and will drive new thinking, new solutions and new technologies putting Scotland at the forefront of building a sustainable low carbon economy.”
Mike Robinson, chair of the Stop Climate Chaos Scotland coalition, which includes Oxfam, Christian Aid, SCIAF, WWF, Friends of the Earth, as well faith organisations and trade unions, said:
“It is now enshrined in law that Scotland will do its fair share to tackle the causes of climate change. The world-leading emissions reduction targets provide a vital lead to other wealthy nations ahead of the UN’s climate talks in Copenhagen in December. Other rich countries must now follow Scotland’s lead and match the commitment to cut their emissions. I hope they will sit up and take notice.
“The scientific consensus is clear: unless developed nations reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by at least 42 per cent by 2020 and 80 per cent by 2050 the problem of dangerous climate change will become irreversible.”
Ends
Notes to editors:
Stewart Stevenson, Minister for Climate Change in the Scottish Government, said:
“The Scottish Government recognises that climate change will have far reaching effects on Scotland's economy, its people and its environment and is determined to play its part in rising to this challenge.
“The world-leading legislation introduces targets to reduce emissions by at least 80 per cent by 2050, and will drive new thinking, new solutions and new technologies putting Scotland at the forefront of building a sustainable low carbon economy.”
Mike Robinson, chair of the Stop Climate Chaos Scotland coalition, which includes Oxfam, Christian Aid, SCIAF, WWF, Friends of the Earth, as well faith organisations and trade unions, said:
“It is now enshrined in law that Scotland will do its fair share to tackle the causes of climate change. The world-leading emissions reduction targets provide a vital lead to other wealthy nations ahead of the UN’s climate talks in Copenhagen in December. Other rich countries must now follow Scotland’s lead and match the commitment to cut their emissions. I hope they will sit up and take notice.
“The scientific consensus is clear: unless developed nations reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by at least 42 per cent by 2020 and 80 per cent by 2050 the problem of dangerous climate change will become irreversible.”
Ends
Notes to editors:
Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) is a diverse, growing coalition of organisations campaigning on climate change. The SCCS Coalition has 60 Scottish members, representing more than 2 million supporters (40% of the Scottish population), ranging from environment and development groups to faith organisations, trade unions, student societies, care providers and many more. SCCS was instrumental in securing a strong climate act for Scotland. For full details visit http://www.stopclimatechaos.org/scotland
In December world leaders will gather in Copenhagen to agree a new UN international climate deal that will come into force when the first phase of the Kyoto treaty expires in 2012. For more info see http://en.cop15.dk/
For more info on how the Scottish Act can make a difference in Copenhagen, see http://www.stopclimatechaos.org/scotland
On Saturday December 5, tens of thousands of people will gather in Glasgow and London to call for action on climate change. For more info see http://www.stopclimatechaos.org/scotland
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NB: UNISON Scotland is a member of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland. For further information on UNISON's climate change and environment work see the Green Workplace pages on our website. www.unison-scotland.org.uk/greenworkplace
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Monday, 3 August 2009
Union 90% vote approves Single Status deal
Date: Monday 3 August 2009
UNISON, Dumfries & Galloway's largest public service trade union, and partner unions UNITE & GMB today announced that their members working for the local authority, have all voted overwhelmingly to accept a negotiated Single Status deal.
UNISON members delivered a majority of 89.6% in favour of the package of proposals with 10.4% of members rejecting. The turnout was 75%.
UNITE & GMB members also voted to accept the offer in a high turnout with majorities of, - Unite 94% and GMB 93%
Speaking shortly after the votes were independently counted Marion Stewart, Dumfries & Galloway UNISON branch secretary said; "I am pleased that our members have voted to accept this deal. The joint trade unions believed it was the best available through negotiation.
"It has been a long, often very difficult process, which started back in 1999. Recently, Trades Unions and the Council formed an effective joint project board, led by retired Chief Executive, Phil Jones.
"This is a prime example of what can be achieved by good joint working and we are pleased the Council has recognised and invested in our equality demands. The package has been subjected to three external independent checks and has resulted in fairer pay for many previously undervalued and under paid female groups."
This is believed to be only the second negotiated settlement to be achieved between unions and their employers in Scotland's 32 local authorities. The Single Status agreement affects 6500 Council employees and seeks to eradicate current inequalities that exist in local government pay and conditions.
Ann Patterson, Branch Chair for Unite the Union said after the ballot "I am pleased to announce that Unite members have voted to accept the Council's proposals within Dumfries and Galloway.
"The Joint Trade Unions believed that the Council's proposals were the best that could be achieved via negotiation but recognise that a number of members will be subject to pay protection. We remain assured by the Council's commitment to pay equality for all staff and both sides recognise that this is just the beginning of an ongoing process to eradicate pay inequality."
Marion Stewart continued: "The result of the ballot marks a significant milestone. The focus of our work now will be to help colleagues who want to appeal their grading, to work to improve the position of those groups of staff who are subject to pay protection and to continue UNISON's ongoing support for members who have lodged equal pay claims."
As part of the Single Status agreement those groups of staff who are Pay Protected will be included in an exercise between the Joint Trade Unions and the Council to seek to establish "job redesign or job enlargement" which could potentially remove detriment.
.
UNISON, Dumfries & Galloway's largest public service trade union, and partner unions UNITE & GMB today announced that their members working for the local authority, have all voted overwhelmingly to accept a negotiated Single Status deal.
UNISON members delivered a majority of 89.6% in favour of the package of proposals with 10.4% of members rejecting. The turnout was 75%.
UNITE & GMB members also voted to accept the offer in a high turnout with majorities of, - Unite 94% and GMB 93%
Speaking shortly after the votes were independently counted Marion Stewart, Dumfries & Galloway UNISON branch secretary said; "I am pleased that our members have voted to accept this deal. The joint trade unions believed it was the best available through negotiation.
"It has been a long, often very difficult process, which started back in 1999. Recently, Trades Unions and the Council formed an effective joint project board, led by retired Chief Executive, Phil Jones.
"This is a prime example of what can be achieved by good joint working and we are pleased the Council has recognised and invested in our equality demands. The package has been subjected to three external independent checks and has resulted in fairer pay for many previously undervalued and under paid female groups."
This is believed to be only the second negotiated settlement to be achieved between unions and their employers in Scotland's 32 local authorities. The Single Status agreement affects 6500 Council employees and seeks to eradicate current inequalities that exist in local government pay and conditions.
Ann Patterson, Branch Chair for Unite the Union said after the ballot "I am pleased to announce that Unite members have voted to accept the Council's proposals within Dumfries and Galloway.
"The Joint Trade Unions believed that the Council's proposals were the best that could be achieved via negotiation but recognise that a number of members will be subject to pay protection. We remain assured by the Council's commitment to pay equality for all staff and both sides recognise that this is just the beginning of an ongoing process to eradicate pay inequality."
Marion Stewart continued: "The result of the ballot marks a significant milestone. The focus of our work now will be to help colleagues who want to appeal their grading, to work to improve the position of those groups of staff who are subject to pay protection and to continue UNISON's ongoing support for members who have lodged equal pay claims."
As part of the Single Status agreement those groups of staff who are Pay Protected will be included in an exercise between the Joint Trade Unions and the Council to seek to establish "job redesign or job enlargement" which could potentially remove detriment.
.
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
Nursery closure attempt at Glasgow College prompts strike action ballot
Date: Tuesday 28 July 2009
UNISON, the education union, is balloting around 80 members in Glasgow College of Nautical Studies for strike action, in response to management proposals to cut 5 jobs by closing the baby room in the college's Thistle Street Nursery. Ballot papers will go out to staff this Wednesday (29 July).
Jim Snell, Assistant Service Conditions Officer for Glasgow City Branch of UNISON said "This is the first stage in managements plan to close the Thistle Street nursery completely by July 2010, closing an important service and losing a total of 20 jobs.
"This is exactly the sort of cut that UNISON is convinced is resulting from the city centre college merger proposals. UNISON's college membership in Glasgow have already expressed their opposition to the proposals and will continue to fight the cuts as they become more damaging."
If the ballot for strike action is successful, the first day of action will be Thursday 20 August, coinciding with a major staff conference planned by the college management. Further days of action will be called if necessary and after consultation with members.
UNISON is continuing to meet with college management to try and persuade them to change their direction and will continue to raise questions on the different options that they have looked at.
Jim Snell said "Management have failed to share any information with UNISON on the background to the decision to close the nursery. We are urging members at the college to deliver a resounding YES vote, and demonstrate the strength of opposition to management's cuts."
The Ballot closes on 13 August.
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Thursday, 23 July 2009
Executive pension report - UNISON reaction
23/07/09
UNISON, the UK’s largest public sector union, is welcoming the Lane Clark & Peacock report findings, which expose an apartheid that exists between those at the top and low paid workers.
Glyn Jenkins, UNISON’s Head of Pensions:
“We hear a lot about gold plated public sector pensions, but the real apartheid is between boardroom fat cats and low paid workers."
See full release at:
http://www.unison.org.uk/asppresspack/pressrelease_view.asp?id=1513
.
UNISON, the UK’s largest public sector union, is welcoming the Lane Clark & Peacock report findings, which expose an apartheid that exists between those at the top and low paid workers.
Glyn Jenkins, UNISON’s Head of Pensions:
“We hear a lot about gold plated public sector pensions, but the real apartheid is between boardroom fat cats and low paid workers."
See full release at:
http://www.unison.org.uk/asppresspack/pressrelease_view.asp?id=1513
.
UNISON accuses Tory leader of letting rhetoric cloud his judgement
23/07/09
UNISON UK General Secretary Dave Prentis:
"David Cameron is wrong if he thinks he can make swingeing cuts without harming front-line services. Public sector workers have gone through efficiency drive after efficiency drive, and Independent studies have shown that you cannot extract any more without damaging services.”
See full release at:
http://www.unison.org.uk/asppresspack/pressrelease_view.asp?id=1514
.
UNISON UK General Secretary Dave Prentis:
"David Cameron is wrong if he thinks he can make swingeing cuts without harming front-line services. Public sector workers have gone through efficiency drive after efficiency drive, and Independent studies have shown that you cannot extract any more without damaging services.”
See full release at:
http://www.unison.org.uk/asppresspack/pressrelease_view.asp?id=1514
.
Monday, 20 July 2009
UNISON condemns Quarriers threat to sack 2,000 staff
Date: Monday July 20 2009
Care sector union, UNISON, today condemned Scottish charity, Quarriers', threat to dismiss all their 2,000 staff unless the union agrees to cuts in wages and conditions. Quarriers' - one of Scotlands biggest charitable organisations providing services for vulnerable children, homeless young people and adults with disabilities - threatened on Friday to issue redundancy notices to all its 2000 staff.
This follows the charity's management proposal -tabled in May - to cut staff night shift payments, and payments for public holidays. Most drastically, the charity wants to cut sick pay by a quarter for any worker with less than 5 years service.
Instead of continuing negotiations with UNISON Quarriers' Branch - a meeting was scheduled for Friday 10th July but was cancelled by the employers with no explanation - Quarriers' wrote to UNISON officially notifying them that unless UNISON agrees to their proposal they will make everyone redundant and re-engage them on new terms and conditions.
Stephen Brown, Branch Secretary, of UNISON Quarriers' Branch said, “Like many staff in Quarriers I am on holiday this week and I was horrified by this move by Quarriers. UNISON recognises Quarriers' is feeling the financial pinch and were prepared to meet Quarriers' in order to negotiate properly. I’m therefore disappointed that Quarriers have decided to fall back on gun boat diplomacy by threatening our members with the sack.”
He added, “Our members work very hard for the charity and provide an excellent service to some of the most vulnerable in society. Quarriers' continually say that they value their staff but this threat shows how much they really value us. Quarriers' should withdraw this notice immediately and sit around the table and negotiate with us in a meaningful way.”
.
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Surveys point to concerns re social work cover, warns UNISON
Date: Tue 14 July 2009
UNISON, Scotland's social care workers union, today highlighted their concern about increasing pressure and stress on social care workers, highlighted by a survey released by the BBC today (based on a Freedom of Information request showing very high caseloads per social worker in some authorities.)
UNISON's own Freedom of Information survey (released last month) done across all local authorities in the UK showed vacancy rates with a UK average of 12%. In Scotland, six councils exceeded the UK average. In Scottish Borders, almost a quarter (24.06%) of social work posts are vacant. This is followed by Inverclyde (20.8%), West Dunbartonshire (19.6%), Falkirk (15%), Highland (13.1%) and West Lothian (12%).
Ronnie Stevenson, UNISON Convenor of social work tewards in the largest local authority and a children and families social worker, says:
“What all these surveys are saying is that social workers are battling against the odds to protect our young children and vulnerable adults. The figures themselves are bad, but they only point to the real problem - if there are too few social workers and too many cases, the crucial element of time spent on any one child is squeezed - especially if this is exacerbated by high levels of paper work. This situation is no good for social workers and it’s no good for their clients who desperately need help."
Colin Turbett, UNISON North Ayrshire Branch Chair and a social worker says:
"What we do know is that few employers operate effective workload management systems, with the result that social workers commmonly work excessive overtime just to keep their heads above water. Frontline managers are under constant pressure to ensure reports are done timeously with score sheets comparing performance across and between authorities, and that cases are not 'unallocated'. A comprehensive integrated assessment (such as a report for a Children's Hearing) for a child now takes some 10-12 hours of work."
And UNISON points out that referral rates are rising all the time, without increasing resources.
The union along with the social work professional organisation - BASW - has recently released a manifesto for Scottish Social Work. It demands urgent action to address the issues affecting their social work members attract new staff into social work and to stem the stream of workers leaving the profession by making working conditions more bearable.
This means that councils must ensure that they not only fill vacancies but reassess the number of staff needed to cover the high volume of work. Without such measures the union is warning that there is a very real possibility of another tragedy like Brandon Muir.
ends
Notes for Editors:
1. UNISON Scotland and the BASW's Social Work Manifesto Helping people change their lives calls for a ten point plan:
2. The ten points it wants addressed are:
- Introduction of effective workload management
- Reduction in meaningless bureaucracy
- Guideline for appropriate staffing levels
- Access to good quality support and supervision
- Ensuring employers are accountable to staff and service users
- Providing an effective reporting mechanism for problems
- A clear career path allowing experienced practitioners to remain in practice
- A universal service as ‘accessible as the NHS’ with welcoming buildings
- Social work professionals being able to practice their skills in the community
- An end to cuts and threats to budgets.
The manifesto is on the UNISON Scotland website at www.unison-scotland.org.uk/socialwork
.
UNISON, Scotland's social care workers union, today highlighted their concern about increasing pressure and stress on social care workers, highlighted by a survey released by the BBC today (based on a Freedom of Information request showing very high caseloads per social worker in some authorities.)
UNISON's own Freedom of Information survey (released last month) done across all local authorities in the UK showed vacancy rates with a UK average of 12%. In Scotland, six councils exceeded the UK average. In Scottish Borders, almost a quarter (24.06%) of social work posts are vacant. This is followed by Inverclyde (20.8%), West Dunbartonshire (19.6%), Falkirk (15%), Highland (13.1%) and West Lothian (12%).
Ronnie Stevenson, UNISON Convenor of social work tewards in the largest local authority and a children and families social worker, says:
“What all these surveys are saying is that social workers are battling against the odds to protect our young children and vulnerable adults. The figures themselves are bad, but they only point to the real problem - if there are too few social workers and too many cases, the crucial element of time spent on any one child is squeezed - especially if this is exacerbated by high levels of paper work. This situation is no good for social workers and it’s no good for their clients who desperately need help."
Colin Turbett, UNISON North Ayrshire Branch Chair and a social worker says:
"What we do know is that few employers operate effective workload management systems, with the result that social workers commmonly work excessive overtime just to keep their heads above water. Frontline managers are under constant pressure to ensure reports are done timeously with score sheets comparing performance across and between authorities, and that cases are not 'unallocated'. A comprehensive integrated assessment (such as a report for a Children's Hearing) for a child now takes some 10-12 hours of work."
And UNISON points out that referral rates are rising all the time, without increasing resources.
The union along with the social work professional organisation - BASW - has recently released a manifesto for Scottish Social Work. It demands urgent action to address the issues affecting their social work members attract new staff into social work and to stem the stream of workers leaving the profession by making working conditions more bearable.
This means that councils must ensure that they not only fill vacancies but reassess the number of staff needed to cover the high volume of work. Without such measures the union is warning that there is a very real possibility of another tragedy like Brandon Muir.
ends
Notes for Editors:
1. UNISON Scotland and the BASW's Social Work Manifesto Helping people change their lives calls for a ten point plan:
2. The ten points it wants addressed are:
- Introduction of effective workload management
- Reduction in meaningless bureaucracy
- Guideline for appropriate staffing levels
- Access to good quality support and supervision
- Ensuring employers are accountable to staff and service users
- Providing an effective reporting mechanism for problems
- A clear career path allowing experienced practitioners to remain in practice
- A universal service as ‘accessible as the NHS’ with welcoming buildings
- Social work professionals being able to practice their skills in the community
- An end to cuts and threats to budgets.
The manifesto is on the UNISON Scotland website at www.unison-scotland.org.uk/socialwork
.
Thursday, 9 July 2009
Extra cash for Forth Valley College highlights job cuts by diktat
Date: Thu 9 July 2009
Over half a million pounds extra cash awarded to Forth valley College today (Thu 9 July) serves to highlight the poor decisions by college management to impose job cuts according to Education union UNISONScotland.
The cash has come from the Scottish Funding Council. It is part of Scottish Government money awarded to help colleges deal with to the needs of individuals and businesses during the economic downturn.
However, the college announced they were to cut 12 full time posts just before the semester ended. Loss of the 12 full time equivalent posts which are under threat, would mean 17 staff losing their jobs.
Helen Craig, UNISON rep in Forth Valley College said “It is ironic that this welcome cash is being awarded to allow the college to assist people in the recession, while the College management is proposing cutting staff in Learning Services especially community support – who deliver precisely this type of service. It is also poor management as it includes Learning Innovation, an area where the College can ill afford to lose any more staff. We call on the management to use this money to provide a better service to individuals hit by recession and reverse these cuts.”
ends
Notes for editors:
1. The total amount awarded to colleges across Scotland this year will be £7.7m. Forth Valley College will receive £562,000 – the third largest amount of any college
2. UNISON has already held one successful demonstration against compulsory redundancies and to defend jobs and education at the Falkirk campus of Forth Valley College last Friday 2.
UNISON Scotland is the main union for support staff working in Scottish further education colleges. Our members working in FE include learning support staff, librarians, IT specialists, technicians, professional staff, administrative and business support staff, cleaners, canteen staff and estate management staff.
.
Over half a million pounds extra cash awarded to Forth valley College today (Thu 9 July) serves to highlight the poor decisions by college management to impose job cuts according to Education union UNISONScotland.
The cash has come from the Scottish Funding Council. It is part of Scottish Government money awarded to help colleges deal with to the needs of individuals and businesses during the economic downturn.
However, the college announced they were to cut 12 full time posts just before the semester ended. Loss of the 12 full time equivalent posts which are under threat, would mean 17 staff losing their jobs.
Helen Craig, UNISON rep in Forth Valley College said “It is ironic that this welcome cash is being awarded to allow the college to assist people in the recession, while the College management is proposing cutting staff in Learning Services especially community support – who deliver precisely this type of service. It is also poor management as it includes Learning Innovation, an area where the College can ill afford to lose any more staff. We call on the management to use this money to provide a better service to individuals hit by recession and reverse these cuts.”
ends
Notes for editors:
1. The total amount awarded to colleges across Scotland this year will be £7.7m. Forth Valley College will receive £562,000 – the third largest amount of any college
2. UNISON has already held one successful demonstration against compulsory redundancies and to defend jobs and education at the Falkirk campus of Forth Valley College last Friday 2.
UNISON Scotland is the main union for support staff working in Scottish further education colleges. Our members working in FE include learning support staff, librarians, IT specialists, technicians, professional staff, administrative and business support staff, cleaners, canteen staff and estate management staff.
.
Wednesday, 8 July 2009
Glasgow council worker elected senior vice president of UNISON
Angela Lynes
Date: Wed 8 July 2009
Angela Lynes, a 40-year-old administrative officer living in Ayrshire and working for Glasgow City Council, has been elected senior vice-president of UNISON, the UK's largest public sector trade union.
She is the union's second youngest senior vice president, and will hold the position for the coming year.
Angela was elected to the NEC, the union's governing body, in Jan 2001, and has chaired the union's Industrial Action Committee for the last eight years. She is also on the staffing committee and vice chair of the international committee.
Angela is particularly proud of UNISON's strong record of international work.
After leaving school, Angela chose to work in the local government because of her belief in the importance of public services in creating a fairer, more equal society. She has worked as an admin. officer and PA in Glasgow City Council ever since.
Commenting on her goals as senior-vice president, Angela said:
"I will be continuing to work on the issues which affect all of our members whether they live in Scotland, England, Ireland or Wales. I know there are many devolved issues, but we share important common goals and they keep us stronger united.
"I am also keen to promote our young members. At 32 I was UNISON's youngest NEC member and hope my election shows that our young members can progress through our union".
Angela lives with her husband John and two children, Jack, 13, and Rachel, 12 in Ayrshire. She was born in Glasgow.
.
Friday, 3 July 2009
UNISON in Day of Action at Forth Valley College over job cuts by diktat
Fri 3 July
UNISON members will take to the street in Falkirk today (Fri 3 July) to protest about job cuts which are being imposed at Forth Valley College.
The staff will be seeking to mobilise support from local people and elected representatives to persuade College directors to reconsider the job cuts. Loss of the 12 full time equivalent posts which are under threat, would mean 17 staff losing their jobs.
Pam Robertson, UNISON Clackmannanshire Branch Secretary, said: "These redundancies were sprung on staff at short notice, just as the semester ended. We have asked Forth Valley College management for meaningful talks so that we can avoid compulsory redundancies. Yet the directors seem set to impose these cuts by diktat."
"Management have offered the minimum statutory redundancy payments, regardless of length of service, they have refused to give 90 days notice of the job cuts and they want people out in the minimum time under law, before the next semester starts. We want dialogue, not dictatorship."
Staff from the three Forth Valley College campuses, in Falkirk, Stirling and Alloa, will join the demonstration, which will form part of a UK wide Day of Protest at FE colleges to "Defend Jobs, Defend Education".
Derek Keenan, UNISON rep at Forth Valley's Falkirk campus, said:
"These job cuts affect the campuses in Falkirk, Stirling and Alloa. We have held mass meetings of members in all three, at which members have expressed anger and dismay at the actions of the directors. The timing of this decision, at the end of the semester with staff and students leaving for holidays, has caused a lot of anger. UNISON does not intend to accept compulsory redundancies and we intend to fight this.
"We want the people of the communities which the College serves and our elected representatives to join our campaign to defend jobs and defend education at Forth Valley College."
ends
Notes for editors:
1. The UNISON demonstration against compulsory redundancies and to defend jobs and education will take place outside the Falkirk campus of Forth Valley College, Grangemouth Road, Falkirk FK2 9AD from 12 noon on Friday 3 July.
2. For more on the UK-wide "Defend Jobs, Defend Education" Day of Action in FE Colleges on Friday 3 July, see UNISON UK press Release " No to redundancies" (29 June 2009) http://www.unison.org.uk/news/news_view.asp?did=5494 and UNISON UK's College Protests page http://www.unison.org.uk/education/pages_view.asp?did=9015
3. UNISON Scotland is the main union for support staff working in Scottish further education colleges. Our members working in FE include learning support staff, librarians, IT specialists, technicians, professional staff, administrative and business support staff, cleaners, canteen staff and estate management staff.
.
Friday, 26 June 2009
Who cares for the carers?
UNISON Scotland's Simon Macfarlane, Robert Rae and Janet Stewart at Glasgow City Chambers on Wednesday 24 June 2009, handing in the care workers' petition calling for Minimum Wage to be paid for "sleepovers".
See press release from Wed 24 June
http://unison-scotland.blogspot.com/2009/06/no-bed-of-roses-unison-care-workers.html
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UNISON welcomes government acceptance of union concerns on community nursing
UNISON, the union for nursing staff in the community, today welcomed the government’s decision not to proceed with the project started in 2006 to develop a new post of ‘Community Health Nurse’ which would absorb the jobs of District Nurse, Health Visitor, Public Health Nurse, Family Health Nurse and School Nurse
After prolonged and sustained opposition by UNISON to the threatened generic community nurse over the last three years, Cabinet Secretary, Nicola Sturgeon MSP has now agreed that it is not the way forward.
In a letter to the unions today, Ms Sturgeon confirmed, that she wishes to retain and reinforce the contribution made by existing community-based nurses in the future.
The changes to the community based roles were heralded in the Review of Nursing in the Community at the end of 2006 by the then Chief Nurse for Scotland and have been being trialled in development projects in NHS Borders, Tayside, Lothian and Highland health Board Areas until 2008. From April 2008 the changes began to be implemented, but were then reduced back to pilot projects in the original four areas.
UNISON members and members of other unions were consistently concerned that the dilution of specific skills into a generic ‘Community Health Nurse’ endangered the quality of care given to Scottish people in their own homes and jeopardised the high standard of care offered by health visitors and school nurses in health promotion and child protection.
Bridget Hunter, UNISONScotland’s Lead Officer for Nursing, said:
‘This is a major triumph for our members in community nursing. After almost three years of resistance our concerns have been eventually accepted as valid. Generic community nursing was from day one, deeply unpopular with staff who genuinely believed that it diluted specialist jobs and reduced the service the community was likely to receive. It was seen as aiming low to avoid disappointment, rather than aiming high in our endeavour to achieve excellence, and enhance skills.’
UNISON will now continue discussions with the government and the NHS to modernise community nursing services within a team setting.
Ends
Note for Editors:
A briefing from UNISON on the detailed concerns of nursing staffs on the ‘Community Health Nurse’ proposals can be found on the UNISONScotland website at www.unison-scotland.org.uk/healthcare/nursing/index.html
.
After prolonged and sustained opposition by UNISON to the threatened generic community nurse over the last three years, Cabinet Secretary, Nicola Sturgeon MSP has now agreed that it is not the way forward.
In a letter to the unions today, Ms Sturgeon confirmed, that she wishes to retain and reinforce the contribution made by existing community-based nurses in the future.
The changes to the community based roles were heralded in the Review of Nursing in the Community at the end of 2006 by the then Chief Nurse for Scotland and have been being trialled in development projects in NHS Borders, Tayside, Lothian and Highland health Board Areas until 2008. From April 2008 the changes began to be implemented, but were then reduced back to pilot projects in the original four areas.
UNISON members and members of other unions were consistently concerned that the dilution of specific skills into a generic ‘Community Health Nurse’ endangered the quality of care given to Scottish people in their own homes and jeopardised the high standard of care offered by health visitors and school nurses in health promotion and child protection.
Bridget Hunter, UNISONScotland’s Lead Officer for Nursing, said:
‘This is a major triumph for our members in community nursing. After almost three years of resistance our concerns have been eventually accepted as valid. Generic community nursing was from day one, deeply unpopular with staff who genuinely believed that it diluted specialist jobs and reduced the service the community was likely to receive. It was seen as aiming low to avoid disappointment, rather than aiming high in our endeavour to achieve excellence, and enhance skills.’
UNISON will now continue discussions with the government and the NHS to modernise community nursing services within a team setting.
Ends
Note for Editors:
A briefing from UNISON on the detailed concerns of nursing staffs on the ‘Community Health Nurse’ proposals can be found on the UNISONScotland website at www.unison-scotland.org.uk/healthcare/nursing/index.html
.
Thursday, 25 June 2009
Scottish social care workers come together to issue ten-point plan to rescue social work
Thu 25 June 2009The two organisations representing social care staff in Scotland today published a joint manifesto in Glasgow containing ten demands that need to be addressed to resolve key problems affecting social work in Scotland.
Social care staff trade union, UNISON and social work professional body - the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) have issued the manifesto - entitled Helping People Change their Lives - after a series of surveys indicating that severe staffing shortages continue in the sector.
At the launch in Glasgow, Stephen Smellie, chair of UNISONScotland’s Social Work Issues Group (SWIG), said:
"As UNISON’s survey of staffing revealed last week, the problems of social work stem from an increase in demand across the whole range of services; and increase that is not matched by any corresponding increase in resources."This is leading to increasing stress and burnout in dedicated and enthusiastic staff. If this is not addressed we could be seeing more tragic stories like Brandon Muir and Baby P."
The union survey was yesterday backed up by official government staffing statistics, which also revealed overall vacancy levels running at around 7% in Scotland. This is similar to UNISON’s findings, but the union also points to councils that have much higher numbers of vacancies. In Scottish Borders, almost a quarter (24.06%) of social work posts are vacant. This is followed by Inverclyde (20.8%), West Dunbartonshire (19.6%), Falkirk (15%), Highland (13.1%) and West Lothian (12%).
Hilton Dawson, Chief Executive of BASW, also backed the demands in the manifesto:
"No government or local authority which seriously purports to serve people well can do so without the aid of well qualified, skilled and experienced social workers." He said, "It is now time that politicians of all parties and policy makers across all agencies recognise the value of our work.
"It is now time for Social Workers to stand up for Social Work and campaign for nothing less than the fundamental transformation of the standing and status of our profession."
Both organisations will now be raising the ten points with employers and politicians, demanding that they each be addressed so that staff can maintain and surpass the high standards they set themselves.
(Pic: Hilton Dawson (Chief Executive, BASW); Ruth Stark (Scottish Professional Officer, BASW); Stephen Smellie (UNISON Scotland. Photo by Alan Wylie)
ENDS
Notes for editors:
1) the manifesto is available from the UNISONScotland website
www.unison-scotland.org.uk/socialwork/index.html
2) The ten points it wants addressed are:
- Introduction of effective workload management
- Reduction in meaningless bureaucracy
- Guideline for appropriate staffing levels
- Access to good quality support and supervision
- Ensuring employers are accountable to staff and service users
- Providing an effective reporting mechanism for problems
- A clear career path allowing experienced practitioners to remain in practice
- A universal service as ‘accessible as the NHS’ with welcoming buildings
- Social work professionals being able to practice their skills in the community
- An end to cuts and threats to budgets.
.
The Herald: MPs back target to reduce emissions by 42%
Robbie Dinwoodie, Chief Scottish Political Correspondent
Date: 25 June 2009
Scotland yesterday made itself a world leader in the battle against global warming, as MSPs gave unanimous backing to a bill enshrining a 42% cut in carbon emissions by the year 2020.
It means that abroadScotland will be lauded as the most forward-looking nation in the world in the run-up to the Copenhagen environmental summit later this year. But behind the rhetoric at Holyrood it was accepted that there were many caveats to the commitment.
Green MSP Patrick Harvie said the climate change legislation was a good thing, and a victory for campaign groups. "Without this overwhelming pressure from outside parliament, we would not have made the progress that we've made, as we've seen this bill develop in the last few months," he said.
But He conceded that a degree of "posturing" had taken place across political parties and added: He added: "My message on where we go from here is primarily to the campaigners, to the activists, because its their work that will continue to be vital if we're going to make the commitments we've made a reality."...
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Scotland leads the world in fight against climate change, says SCCS
MEDIA STATEMENT
Wednesday 24th June 2009
SCOTLAND “LEADS THE WORLD” IN FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
Scotland today laid down a challenge to the rest of the world, including the UK Government, by passing the most ambitious climate change targets in the industrialised world.
The Scottish Parliament unanimously agreed to cut the country’s emissions by 42% by 2020, and at least 80% by 2050, setting the benchmark for the rest of the world at this year’s UN Climate Change summit at Copenhagen.
The outcome represents a huge victory for the Stop Climate Chaos Scotland coalition, a diverse coalition of 70 organisations campaigning on climate change and representing around 40% of Scotland’s population.
Mike Robinson, Chair of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland said:
“This is a truly momentous day. The Scottish Parliament has voted for legislation that will be held up as an example to the world ahead of climate talks in Copenhagen in December.
“At a vital time ahead of the UN’s talks to put in place an agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol in Copenhagen, world governments have been set an example by Scotland which we would urge them to follow if we are to avoid catastrophic climate change.”
“In particular, this presents a challenge to the UK Government. By supporting this bill, Labour MSPs at Holyrood have been much more ambitious than their government colleagues at Westminster. If the Labour Party believe it is the right thing for Scotland, it must surely be the right thing for the UK as a whole.
“Uniquely, Scotland’s targets are guided by science as opposed to political expediency. They are based on what we have to do, rather than what we feel we can do. This is a positive and rational response to a global challenge, and we are calling on governments across the world to follow suit.”
Leading elements of the bill include:
• At least a 42% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 (based on 1990 levels)
• At least an 80% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (based on 1990 levels)
• Emissions from international aviation & shipping to be included from the start
• Strong duty across the public sector to play a full part in tackling Scotland’s greenhouse gas emission.
• Commitment to report annually on consumption-based emissions – note 1
Ends
1 – Consumption-based emissions are those that arise from a country’s consumption patterns, as opposed to the actual amount of greenhouse gas arising in the particular country. This means reporting will therefore include emissions relating to imported goods & services.
Notes to editors:
- Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) is a diverse, growing coalition of organisations campaigning on climate change. The SCCS Coalition has 60 Scottish members, representing more than 2 million supporters (40% of the Scottish population), ranging from environment and development groups to faith organisations, trade unions, student societies, care providers and many more. For full details visit www.stopclimatechaos.org/scotland
- In December world leaders will gather in Copenhagen to agree a new UN international climate deal that will come into force when the first phase of the Kyoto treaty expires in 2012
No bed of roses: UNISON care workers demand minimum wage for sleepovers
Wed 24 June 2009
Voluntary sector care workers in Glasgow will demand an end to illegal poverty pay for sleepovers in a petition to be handed to the City Council tomorrow (Thursday 25 June).
UNISON Scotland, the union which represents the care workers, accuses voluntary sector employers of breaking the spirit of minimum wage legislation by using an averaging approach to undercut workers' pay. UNISON wants Glasgow City Council, which contracts the care services, to hold employers to their requirement in law to pay the National Minimum Wage for every hour worked on a sleepover.
Simon Macfarlane, UNISON Scotland Regional Organiser for the voluntary sector, said:
"Sleepovers are no bed of roses. When staff are required to sleep over to care for clients, they are working. They can't leave the premises; they are on instant call, and they are often disturbed many times during the night to support vulnerable clients. They often have to deal with volatile situations. Yet employers continue to pay less than the minimum wage."
The petition of over 400 signatures has been gathered mainly from UNISON care workers in the city's voluntary sector. It will be handed to Glasgow City Council tomorrow (Thursday 25 June).
The petition calls directly on voluntary sector employers to pay the National Minimum Wage rate for sleepovers. It also calls on Glasgow City Council to insist, as part of its anti-poverty strategy, that all organisations it contracts with to provide care services should pay the legal rate for sleepovers, and fund this accordingly.
Simon Macfarlane added:
"Our members provide care and support with commitment, professionalism and dedication to some of the most vulnerable in the city, yet they are rewarded with poverty pay. It's time for the employers and the City Council to care for the carers."
ends
.
Voluntary sector care workers in Glasgow will demand an end to illegal poverty pay for sleepovers in a petition to be handed to the City Council tomorrow (Thursday 25 June).
UNISON Scotland, the union which represents the care workers, accuses voluntary sector employers of breaking the spirit of minimum wage legislation by using an averaging approach to undercut workers' pay. UNISON wants Glasgow City Council, which contracts the care services, to hold employers to their requirement in law to pay the National Minimum Wage for every hour worked on a sleepover.
Simon Macfarlane, UNISON Scotland Regional Organiser for the voluntary sector, said:
"Sleepovers are no bed of roses. When staff are required to sleep over to care for clients, they are working. They can't leave the premises; they are on instant call, and they are often disturbed many times during the night to support vulnerable clients. They often have to deal with volatile situations. Yet employers continue to pay less than the minimum wage."
The petition of over 400 signatures has been gathered mainly from UNISON care workers in the city's voluntary sector. It will be handed to Glasgow City Council tomorrow (Thursday 25 June).
The petition calls directly on voluntary sector employers to pay the National Minimum Wage rate for sleepovers. It also calls on Glasgow City Council to insist, as part of its anti-poverty strategy, that all organisations it contracts with to provide care services should pay the legal rate for sleepovers, and fund this accordingly.
Simon Macfarlane added:
"Our members provide care and support with commitment, professionalism and dedication to some of the most vulnerable in the city, yet they are rewarded with poverty pay. It's time for the employers and the City Council to care for the carers."
ends
.
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Scots climate bill on verge of leading the world, says SCCS
MEDIA RELEASE
sent on behalf of STOP CLIMATE CHAOS SCOTLAND
For immediate use: Tuesday 23 June 2009
SCOTLAND'S CLIMATE BILL ON THE VERGE OF LEADING THE WORLD - SAY CAMPAIGNERS Coalition group hails Government amendment and urges MSPs to fix remaining loopholes.
Scotland's climate change legislation is once again on the verge of being 'world leading' said campaigners today (Tuesday 23 June). The Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) coalition made the call in response to a Scottish Government amendment tabled last night, after the main deadline, which calls for a reduction of 42% in Scotland's climate emissions by 2020 from 1990 levels. [1] Until last night the Government was only supporting a 34% reduction from the start.
The Government amendment is to amend a Labour one, which proposed a 40% reduction target. Both the Liberal Democrats and Greens had tabled amendments which called for even more.
The campaigners urged politicians from all parties to support the Government amendment, due to be voted on by MSPs for the final time tomorrow (24 June), and fix some last remaining elements of the bill, including ensuring the vast majority of pollution cuts take place here in Scotland and rejecting amendments that would dramatically weaken the climate change duty on public bodies already agreed.
During tomorrow, over 100 campaigners from across Scotland will directly lobby their MSP calling for the strongest possible Scottish Climate Change Bill. [2]
Mike Robinson, Chair of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland said:
"We warmly welcome this late amendment from the Government and we offer it our unequivocal support. With this decision our politicians can begin to restore the public's faith in democracy - exactly what is needed if the world is to overcome climate change. By amending the target this bill finally begins to addresses the urgency with which we need to deal with this issue, listens to what the science is telling us, and takes account of the growing public consensus that a target of 42% is required."
"Almost all the parties have rallied round the need for a higher interim target. We urge politicians of all parties to support this amendment tomorrow and other amendments to fix some last remaining elements of the bill, including ensuring the vast majority of pollution cuts take place here in Scotland and rejecting plans that would dramatically weaken the climate change duty on public bodies already agreed."
Ends
NOTES TO EDITORS:
[1] New amendments to Bills lodged on 22 June 2009 Climate Change (Scotland) Bill - Stage 3
Stewart Stevenson
94A As an amendment to amendment 94, line 4, leave out <40%> and insert <42%>
See full amendment:
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/businessBulletin/bb-09/bb-06-23g.htm
[2] SCOTTISH CLIMATE CHANGE BILL - FINAL VOTE, WED JUNE 24 MASS LOBBY OF THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
What: Scotland's first CLIMATE MASS LOBBY
Where: Scottish Parliament
When: Wednesday June 24. Meet 12 noon at SCCS registration tent on the grass outside the Scottish Parliament; mass lobby 1230-2.30pm in Committee Room 1
Why: For a world-leading climate law
On Wednesday, MSPs have the chance to make history by voting for a stronger Climate Change Bill. During the day of the vote, over 100 campaigners from across Scotland will directly lobby their MSPs.
[3] Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) is a diverse, growing coalition of organisations campaigning on climate change. The SCCS Coalition has 60 Scottish members, representing more than 2 million supporters, ranging from environment and development groups to faith organisations, trade unions, student societies, care providers and many more. For full details visit http://www.blogger.com/www.stopclimatechaos.org/scotland
[4] In December world leaders will gather in Copenhagen to agree a new international climate deal that will come into force when the first phase of the Kyoto treaty expires in 2012.
[5] SCCS will be helping organise a Climate Change march in Glasgow on 5th December.
sent on behalf of STOP CLIMATE CHAOS SCOTLAND
For immediate use: Tuesday 23 June 2009
SCOTLAND'S CLIMATE BILL ON THE VERGE OF LEADING THE WORLD - SAY CAMPAIGNERS Coalition group hails Government amendment and urges MSPs to fix remaining loopholes.
Scotland's climate change legislation is once again on the verge of being 'world leading' said campaigners today (Tuesday 23 June). The Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) coalition made the call in response to a Scottish Government amendment tabled last night, after the main deadline, which calls for a reduction of 42% in Scotland's climate emissions by 2020 from 1990 levels. [1] Until last night the Government was only supporting a 34% reduction from the start.
The Government amendment is to amend a Labour one, which proposed a 40% reduction target. Both the Liberal Democrats and Greens had tabled amendments which called for even more.
The campaigners urged politicians from all parties to support the Government amendment, due to be voted on by MSPs for the final time tomorrow (24 June), and fix some last remaining elements of the bill, including ensuring the vast majority of pollution cuts take place here in Scotland and rejecting amendments that would dramatically weaken the climate change duty on public bodies already agreed.
During tomorrow, over 100 campaigners from across Scotland will directly lobby their MSP calling for the strongest possible Scottish Climate Change Bill. [2]
Mike Robinson, Chair of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland said:
"We warmly welcome this late amendment from the Government and we offer it our unequivocal support. With this decision our politicians can begin to restore the public's faith in democracy - exactly what is needed if the world is to overcome climate change. By amending the target this bill finally begins to addresses the urgency with which we need to deal with this issue, listens to what the science is telling us, and takes account of the growing public consensus that a target of 42% is required."
"Almost all the parties have rallied round the need for a higher interim target. We urge politicians of all parties to support this amendment tomorrow and other amendments to fix some last remaining elements of the bill, including ensuring the vast majority of pollution cuts take place here in Scotland and rejecting plans that would dramatically weaken the climate change duty on public bodies already agreed."
Ends
NOTES TO EDITORS:
[1] New amendments to Bills lodged on 22 June 2009 Climate Change (Scotland) Bill - Stage 3
Stewart Stevenson
94A As an amendment to amendment 94, line 4, leave out <40%> and insert <42%>
See full amendment:
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/businessBulletin/bb-09/bb-06-23g.htm
[2] SCOTTISH CLIMATE CHANGE BILL - FINAL VOTE, WED JUNE 24 MASS LOBBY OF THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
What: Scotland's first CLIMATE MASS LOBBY
Where: Scottish Parliament
When: Wednesday June 24. Meet 12 noon at SCCS registration tent on the grass outside the Scottish Parliament; mass lobby 1230-2.30pm in Committee Room 1
Why: For a world-leading climate law
On Wednesday, MSPs have the chance to make history by voting for a stronger Climate Change Bill. During the day of the vote, over 100 campaigners from across Scotland will directly lobby their MSPs.
[3] Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) is a diverse, growing coalition of organisations campaigning on climate change. The SCCS Coalition has 60 Scottish members, representing more than 2 million supporters, ranging from environment and development groups to faith organisations, trade unions, student societies, care providers and many more. For full details visit http://www.blogger.com/www.stopclimatechaos.org/scotland
[4] In December world leaders will gather in Copenhagen to agree a new international climate deal that will come into force when the first phase of the Kyoto treaty expires in 2012.
[5] SCCS will be helping organise a Climate Change march in Glasgow on 5th December.
The Herald: SNP bows to green lobby and amends carbon emissions cut
SNP bows to green lobby and amends carbon emissions cut
Robbie Dinwoodie, Chief Scottish Political Correspondent
Date: 23 June 2009
The Scottish Government last night bowed to pressure from political opponents and the Green lobby and increased their target to cut carbon emissions by 42% by 2020.
But ministers made clear that the new target, which will be enshrined in tomorrow's Climate Change Bill, will have conditions set on it regarding EU and UK measures which could impinge on Scotland's ability to lead the way in terms of climate change.
Ministers last night introduced a manuscript amendment, to raise the ante on a Labour amendment specifying 40% as a target.
The effect will be that a 34% cut with the option to boost that to 42% under certain conditions will be reversed - to a 42% target on the face of the bill subject to expert advice that external factors make that possible.
Labour had backed the 34% target in committee but then in recent days had switched to calling for a 40% figure, with the backing of the Greens, LibDems and climate change campaigners.
This made a defeat for the government a real prospect…
Robbie Dinwoodie, Chief Scottish Political Correspondent
Date: 23 June 2009
The Scottish Government last night bowed to pressure from political opponents and the Green lobby and increased their target to cut carbon emissions by 42% by 2020.
But ministers made clear that the new target, which will be enshrined in tomorrow's Climate Change Bill, will have conditions set on it regarding EU and UK measures which could impinge on Scotland's ability to lead the way in terms of climate change.
Ministers last night introduced a manuscript amendment, to raise the ante on a Labour amendment specifying 40% as a target.
The effect will be that a 34% cut with the option to boost that to 42% under certain conditions will be reversed - to a 42% target on the face of the bill subject to expert advice that external factors make that possible.
Labour had backed the 34% target in committee but then in recent days had switched to calling for a 40% figure, with the backing of the Greens, LibDems and climate change campaigners.
This made a defeat for the government a real prospect…
BBC: Climate change targets 'tougher'
Climate change targets 'tougher'
Page last updated at 07:50 GMT, Tuesday, 23 June 2009 08:50 UK
Stronger targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions have been included in legislation to be debated by MSPs on Wednesday.
The climate change bill had committed to a 34% emissions cut but ministers said a new target of 42% would be set.
But it will only be set at 42% if European governments agree to reduce emissions by 30% at climate talks in Copenhagen in December.
Labour said it welcomed what it called "an astonishing u-turn" by the SNP...
Page last updated at 07:50 GMT, Tuesday, 23 June 2009 08:50 UK
Stronger targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions have been included in legislation to be debated by MSPs on Wednesday.
The climate change bill had committed to a 34% emissions cut but ministers said a new target of 42% would be set.
But it will only be set at 42% if European governments agree to reduce emissions by 30% at climate talks in Copenhagen in December.
Labour said it welcomed what it called "an astonishing u-turn" by the SNP...
Monday, 22 June 2009
UNISON calls for action following public sector agency pay report
Date: Mon 22 June 2009
UNISON Scotland has strongly welcomed proposals by the Scottish Parliament Finance Committee to tackle unfairness, delay and low pay in the wage bargaining system for public sector agency staff.
UNISON - the largest public sector union - is calling on Cabinet Secretary John Swinney to engage directly with unions and employers to implement the recommendations of the Finance Committee's Report on Public Sector Pay.
Dave Watson, Scottish Organiser for UNISON, said:
"We welcome the recommendations from this report, and strongly urge the Scottish Government to act on them as soon as possible. The committee has clearly listened to the evidence led by UNISON and others about the delays, bureaucracy and complexities that bedevil the current system for paying public sector agency staff."
The Report on Public Sector Pay by the Scottish Parliament's Finance Committee published today includes recommmendations to: ensure that low pay is addressed properly; review pay systems and the costs of addressing discrimination; and review controversial senior staff bonuses.
The Finance Committee states that the process used to determine pay for workers in public sector agencies has "further room for improvement". The report is critical of delays in wage awards, and stresses the need for formal bargaining machinery, relevant benchmarks, and local flexibility.
Dave Watson said:
"It is clearly also unfair that the senior agency staff - like those running the Government's new Scottish Futures Trust - can attract huge salaries and substantial bonuses, even topping the chief executives of our largest councils, while lower-paid staff experience substantial delays to get less than the rate of inflation, with little or no opportunity for negotiation or flexibility."
ends
Notes for Editors:
1. UNISON is Scotland’s largest public sector trade union representing 165,000 members across public services. UNISON members work to deliver vital services not just in Scotland’s NHS and local government, but in a significant number of Non Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) such as Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA); Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA); Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care (SCRC); Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park (LLTNPA); and Careers Scotland/Skills Development Scotland.
2. The UNISON Scotland submission on Public Sector Pay to the Scottish Parliament Finance Committee in December 2008 can be found on our website http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/response/publicsectorpay08.html
3. The Report on Public Sector Pay by the Scottish Parliament's Finance Committee can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/reports-09/fir09-04.htm
.
UNISON Scotland has strongly welcomed proposals by the Scottish Parliament Finance Committee to tackle unfairness, delay and low pay in the wage bargaining system for public sector agency staff.
UNISON - the largest public sector union - is calling on Cabinet Secretary John Swinney to engage directly with unions and employers to implement the recommendations of the Finance Committee's Report on Public Sector Pay.
Dave Watson, Scottish Organiser for UNISON, said:
"We welcome the recommendations from this report, and strongly urge the Scottish Government to act on them as soon as possible. The committee has clearly listened to the evidence led by UNISON and others about the delays, bureaucracy and complexities that bedevil the current system for paying public sector agency staff."
The Report on Public Sector Pay by the Scottish Parliament's Finance Committee published today includes recommmendations to: ensure that low pay is addressed properly; review pay systems and the costs of addressing discrimination; and review controversial senior staff bonuses.
The Finance Committee states that the process used to determine pay for workers in public sector agencies has "further room for improvement". The report is critical of delays in wage awards, and stresses the need for formal bargaining machinery, relevant benchmarks, and local flexibility.
Dave Watson said:
"It is clearly also unfair that the senior agency staff - like those running the Government's new Scottish Futures Trust - can attract huge salaries and substantial bonuses, even topping the chief executives of our largest councils, while lower-paid staff experience substantial delays to get less than the rate of inflation, with little or no opportunity for negotiation or flexibility."
ends
Notes for Editors:
1. UNISON is Scotland’s largest public sector trade union representing 165,000 members across public services. UNISON members work to deliver vital services not just in Scotland’s NHS and local government, but in a significant number of Non Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) such as Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA); Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA); Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care (SCRC); Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park (LLTNPA); and Careers Scotland/Skills Development Scotland.
2. The UNISON Scotland submission on Public Sector Pay to the Scottish Parliament Finance Committee in December 2008 can be found on our website http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/response/publicsectorpay08.html
3. The Report on Public Sector Pay by the Scottish Parliament's Finance Committee can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/reports-09/fir09-04.htm
.
Wednesday, 17 June 2009
Schools PPP will cost taxpayers dear, UNISON warns
Date: Wed 17 June 2009
UNISON Scotland today rejected Scottish Government claims that its schools building announcement represents better value for money than previous PFI/PPP projects.
Instead, the union warned that taxpayers will once again be charged massively over the odds for the Scottish Futures Trust continuing with PPP through the so-called Non Profit Distributing (NPD) model.
Dave Watson, UNISON’s Scottish Organiser, said:
“The initial plan for the Scottish Futures Trust was to replace PFI/PPP. Early proposals proved to be merely window-dressing changes, or PFI-lite. Now we are told that the NPD model is to be used for schools building and the SFT chairman Sir Angus Grossart has not ruled out full-blown PFI/PPP.
“Yet research by Edinburgh University this week confirmed UNISON’s argument that NPD maintains most of the flaws of PFI/PPP, and it highlighted rates of return to investors similar to PFI schemes. The Scottish Government is continuing with a policy the SNP criticised for mortgaging future generations to the hilt.”
In today’s Herald newspaper* Mark Hellowell, of Edinburgh University’s Centre for International Public Health Policy, said that NPD was “a relatively minor variation... despite political rhetoric which suggests there has been more substantive change.”
Dave Watson added:
“It is clear to the general public that PFI/PPP has been an immensely costly way to build new schools and hospitals. Supporters have said people understand that if they include replacement carpets every five years and other maintenance costs in their mortgage, then it would cost more.
“But even the most financially illiterate home-buyer recognises that they will be ripped off if they charge those costs to their mortgage. PFI costs are high because it costs more to borrow privately than conventional borrowing.
“At a time of financial crisis, when the UK Government has been forced into bailing out PFI/PPP schemes, the Scottish Government should be using far less costly conventional funding for schools, as it is doing with the new South Glasgow hospitals complex.”
* http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2514776.0.Trust_unlikely_to_cut_costs_report_finds.php
ENDS
Note for editors:
1. UNISON opposes PFI/PPP for reasons including service quality, costs, accountability and inflexibility.
The union has argued to the Scottish Government and to the Scottish Parliament Finance Committee's inquiry into the funding of capital investment projects that five simple steps would provide an immediate alternative to PPP/PFI.
They include: a review of existing contracts, with 'buyouts' where that benefits the taxpayer; Scottish government grants for new capital projects, irrespective of the method of procurement; health boards should be given Prudential Borrowing powers; staff should be excluded from transfer and the PPP staffing protocol should be strengthened.
The Calman Commission’s recommendation that the Scottish Government should have borrowing powers for capital investment would also allow the SNP’s original plan for the SFT to proceed, without using PFI/PPP.
2. Further UNISON Scotland PFI information is at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/comms/pfi.html
3. UNISON’s report ‘Putting the Public Back into PFI’ was published on 15 June. http://www.unison.org.uk/asppresspack/pressrelease_view.asp?id=1450
.
UNISON Scotland today rejected Scottish Government claims that its schools building announcement represents better value for money than previous PFI/PPP projects.
Instead, the union warned that taxpayers will once again be charged massively over the odds for the Scottish Futures Trust continuing with PPP through the so-called Non Profit Distributing (NPD) model.
Dave Watson, UNISON’s Scottish Organiser, said:
“The initial plan for the Scottish Futures Trust was to replace PFI/PPP. Early proposals proved to be merely window-dressing changes, or PFI-lite. Now we are told that the NPD model is to be used for schools building and the SFT chairman Sir Angus Grossart has not ruled out full-blown PFI/PPP.
“Yet research by Edinburgh University this week confirmed UNISON’s argument that NPD maintains most of the flaws of PFI/PPP, and it highlighted rates of return to investors similar to PFI schemes. The Scottish Government is continuing with a policy the SNP criticised for mortgaging future generations to the hilt.”
In today’s Herald newspaper* Mark Hellowell, of Edinburgh University’s Centre for International Public Health Policy, said that NPD was “a relatively minor variation... despite political rhetoric which suggests there has been more substantive change.”
Dave Watson added:
“It is clear to the general public that PFI/PPP has been an immensely costly way to build new schools and hospitals. Supporters have said people understand that if they include replacement carpets every five years and other maintenance costs in their mortgage, then it would cost more.
“But even the most financially illiterate home-buyer recognises that they will be ripped off if they charge those costs to their mortgage. PFI costs are high because it costs more to borrow privately than conventional borrowing.
“At a time of financial crisis, when the UK Government has been forced into bailing out PFI/PPP schemes, the Scottish Government should be using far less costly conventional funding for schools, as it is doing with the new South Glasgow hospitals complex.”
* http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2514776.0.Trust_unlikely_to_cut_costs_report_finds.php
ENDS
Note for editors:
1. UNISON opposes PFI/PPP for reasons including service quality, costs, accountability and inflexibility.
The union has argued to the Scottish Government and to the Scottish Parliament Finance Committee's inquiry into the funding of capital investment projects that five simple steps would provide an immediate alternative to PPP/PFI.
They include: a review of existing contracts, with 'buyouts' where that benefits the taxpayer; Scottish government grants for new capital projects, irrespective of the method of procurement; health boards should be given Prudential Borrowing powers; staff should be excluded from transfer and the PPP staffing protocol should be strengthened.
The Calman Commission’s recommendation that the Scottish Government should have borrowing powers for capital investment would also allow the SNP’s original plan for the SFT to proceed, without using PFI/PPP.
2. Further UNISON Scotland PFI information is at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/comms/pfi.html
3. UNISON’s report ‘Putting the Public Back into PFI’ was published on 15 June. http://www.unison.org.uk/asppresspack/pressrelease_view.asp?id=1450
.
Social Work vacancies hit danger point, warns UNISON
Date: Wed 17 June 2009
UNISON, the UK's largest public sector union, today accused council bosses of "covering up" the true extent of social work vacancies across the country and the risk that poses.
A Freedom of Information request to all local authorities in the UK has shown vacancy rates topping danger levels of 39% with a UK average of 12%. Councils have consistently claimed that social work vacancies are falling, but the statistics show that the true picture is much bleaker.
In Scotland, six councils exceed the UK average. In Scottish Borders, almost a quarter (24.06%) of social work posts are vacant. This is followed by Inverclyde (20.8%), West Dunbartonshire (19.6%), Falkirk (15%), Highland (13.1%) and West Lothian (12%).
Speaking at the union's National Delegate Conference in Brighton, where the survey findings were announced, Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON, said:
"Social workers are battling against the odds to protect our young children and vulnerable adults. How can they deliver a safe and effective service when vacancy rates are hitting in excess of 20% in so many parts of the country? Councils should not bury their heads in the sand and try and cover up the problem. This situation is no good for social workers and it’s no good for their clients who desperately need help."
UNISON is demanding urgent action to attract new staff into social work and to stem the stream of workers leaving the profession by making working conditions more bearable. This means that councils must ensure that they not only fill vacancies but reassess the number of staff needed to cover the high volume of work. Without such measures the union is warning that there is a very real possibility of another tragedy like baby P.
Most councils turn to agency staff in an effort to plug the gap but this just brings with it other problems. One of the prime reasons people choose agency working is for the flexibility it affords. That same flexibility can be a real headache for managers who need to be able to plan and allocate case work, ensure continuity for clients and build trust in the relationship
It takes time for new agency workers to pick up complex work and when they leave even more time is needed to pass that work on to their colleagues. In addition social work teams complain that money is tight which leads to agency workers being forced to leave at short notice.
Dave Prentis added:
"We are in the middle of a serious recruitment and retention crisis. Social workers are under pressure from all sides. We need action now to attract more people into the job and stem the flow of workers leaving. Councils need urgent action plans and to work with central government and unions to plug the gaps, before we have another tragedy like baby P."
ends
Notes for Editors:
1. UNISON Scotland and the British Association of Social Workers will be launching a Social Work Manifesto for members in Scotland next week.
2. UNISON’s UK action plan includes:
* A planned programme of investment so that more social workers can be employed, with better pay and working conditions, better support systems and the right tools for the job.
* A Revival of Qualify-on-the- Job Schemes which fund social work assistants, care managers and other workers to gain their social work qualification while in the council’s employment
* National Standards on Acceptable Caseloads enforced through the inspection process and regularly audited by the council or Trust leadership, with sanctions against employers who breach the Code of Practice for Social Care Employers.
* A Cull of Red Tape: a root and branch zero-based review of all bureaucracy and consideration of measures used to cut red tape in schools. Overhaul of performance indicators which skew priorities.
* Better Support and More Reflective Practice: consistent, high quality supervision that is both supportive and challenging, focuses on the needs of the worker, not the organisation’s performance indicators and builds in time for reflection and mentoring.
* Measures to Rebuild Morale, Confidence and Status of Social Workers: redress the devastating drop in morale through a sustained campaign to promote positive public awareness about what social work achieves.
.
UNISON, the UK's largest public sector union, today accused council bosses of "covering up" the true extent of social work vacancies across the country and the risk that poses.
A Freedom of Information request to all local authorities in the UK has shown vacancy rates topping danger levels of 39% with a UK average of 12%. Councils have consistently claimed that social work vacancies are falling, but the statistics show that the true picture is much bleaker.
In Scotland, six councils exceed the UK average. In Scottish Borders, almost a quarter (24.06%) of social work posts are vacant. This is followed by Inverclyde (20.8%), West Dunbartonshire (19.6%), Falkirk (15%), Highland (13.1%) and West Lothian (12%).
Speaking at the union's National Delegate Conference in Brighton, where the survey findings were announced, Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON, said:
"Social workers are battling against the odds to protect our young children and vulnerable adults. How can they deliver a safe and effective service when vacancy rates are hitting in excess of 20% in so many parts of the country? Councils should not bury their heads in the sand and try and cover up the problem. This situation is no good for social workers and it’s no good for their clients who desperately need help."
UNISON is demanding urgent action to attract new staff into social work and to stem the stream of workers leaving the profession by making working conditions more bearable. This means that councils must ensure that they not only fill vacancies but reassess the number of staff needed to cover the high volume of work. Without such measures the union is warning that there is a very real possibility of another tragedy like baby P.
Most councils turn to agency staff in an effort to plug the gap but this just brings with it other problems. One of the prime reasons people choose agency working is for the flexibility it affords. That same flexibility can be a real headache for managers who need to be able to plan and allocate case work, ensure continuity for clients and build trust in the relationship
It takes time for new agency workers to pick up complex work and when they leave even more time is needed to pass that work on to their colleagues. In addition social work teams complain that money is tight which leads to agency workers being forced to leave at short notice.
Dave Prentis added:
"We are in the middle of a serious recruitment and retention crisis. Social workers are under pressure from all sides. We need action now to attract more people into the job and stem the flow of workers leaving. Councils need urgent action plans and to work with central government and unions to plug the gaps, before we have another tragedy like baby P."
ends
Notes for Editors:
1. UNISON Scotland and the British Association of Social Workers will be launching a Social Work Manifesto for members in Scotland next week.
2. UNISON’s UK action plan includes:
* A planned programme of investment so that more social workers can be employed, with better pay and working conditions, better support systems and the right tools for the job.
* A Revival of Qualify-on-the- Job Schemes which fund social work assistants, care managers and other workers to gain their social work qualification while in the council’s employment
* National Standards on Acceptable Caseloads enforced through the inspection process and regularly audited by the council or Trust leadership, with sanctions against employers who breach the Code of Practice for Social Care Employers.
* A Cull of Red Tape: a root and branch zero-based review of all bureaucracy and consideration of measures used to cut red tape in schools. Overhaul of performance indicators which skew priorities.
* Better Support and More Reflective Practice: consistent, high quality supervision that is both supportive and challenging, focuses on the needs of the worker, not the organisation’s performance indicators and builds in time for reflection and mentoring.
* Measures to Rebuild Morale, Confidence and Status of Social Workers: redress the devastating drop in morale through a sustained campaign to promote positive public awareness about what social work achieves.
.
Wednesday, 10 June 2009
UNISON demands Scottish Government action for pay equality in councils
10 June 2009
UNISON, Scotland's largest local government union, has called on SNP Finance Secretary John Swinney to face up to the challenge of pay discrimination. The union’s move follows the publication of the latest Scottish Parliament investigation into equal pay, in which MSPs on the Parliament's Local Government Committee expressed dismay at the slow and costly progress towards pay equality and made a clear call for action by the Scottish Government.
Peter Hunter, UNISON Scotland Regional Organiser, said:
"The Scottish Government has sat on the sidelines throughout this process but the time has come for them to step up to the plate. This is the third parliamentary report calling for Government action on equal pay and the challenge can no longer be ignored."
Equal pay is widely recognised as the greatest destabilising force to hit local government finance in recent years. Despite compensation payments running to several hundred million pounds, low paid public service workers are still pursuing tens of thousands of equality claims.
Peter Hunter said:
"There was no financial provision for equal pay in the last SNP budget but the evidence of the last ten years shows that delay and denial only escalate equal pay costs. In England councils have access to special Treasury rules on capital expenditure to ease the equal pay burden. In Scotland we have had no meaningful government help – in fact employers are hounded for cuts and efficiencies at a time when record levels of compensation are being paid to workers."
UNISON Scotland welcomed the Committee’s recognition that single status is still work in progress in every local authority.
"Anyone who says otherwise is out of touch and misleading the public," said Peter Hunter. "UNISON rejected over 80% of the new pay systems on equality grounds and we will continue to litigate until we get genuine pay equality for our members."
Peter Hunter added:
"What people need to remember is that every million pounds of equal pay expenditure is a million pounds of hardship and suffering endured by low paid women who deliver vital public services. We have classroom assistants who teach disabled children 30 hours per week with no supervising teacher for £10,000 per annum. And that’s before tax and national insurance. Voters expect the Scottish Parliament to protect them from such rank injustice. It seems the Local Government Committee agrees. It’s time for the Scottish Government to take action now."
ENDS
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
Local Government Committee report on Equal pay
The Local Government & Communities committee of the Scottish Parliament made the following recommendations:
• The Scottish Government should facilitate urgent talks
• Employers should pay-up where workers have a strong equal pay claim
• Independent pay audits should be conducted annually to drive discrimination out of the system
• Councils need more money and the Government need to come up with a package including capitalisation
Press Release:
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/nmCentre/news/news-comm-09/clgc09-s3-003.htm
Committee Report
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/lgc/reports-09/lgr09-12.htm
UNISON's submission to Local Government Committee
In submissions to the Committee UNISON Scotland called on MSPs to:
• Press the Finance Secretary to reconsider the funding required to close the pay gap. The Committee has called on the Government to clarify their position.
• Press the Finance Secretary to establish capitalisation as a finance option and set out criteria against which applications can be made. The Committee has echoed that call.
• Press the Chancellor and the Finance Secretary to permit local authorities to offset equal pay costs, in whole or in part, against their share of any efficiency target. We are extremely disappointed that councils appear to be expected to increase seconding on equal pay while slashing services at the same time.
• Set a timetable for local government to implement single status in a way that eliminates discrimination and brings the repeated rounds of equal pay compensation to an end. The committee has called on the Government to facilitate talks designed to deliver pay equality.
• Invite Audit Scotland to review its Audit Methodology in a way that gives equality auditing the weight that is required by the Best Value regime. UNISON are delighted that the Committee has called for a new equality audit system to embedded into Audit Scotland’s revised Best Value scheme.
You can find the full UNISON Scotland Submission to the Scottish Parliament Local Government and Communities Committee in March 2009 at
http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/response/equalpaymarch09.html
UNISON Scotland news releases:
Stay in touch with UNISON Scotland's latest news releases on our website
http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/news/index.html
and frequent updates on our blog
http://unison-scotland.blogspot.com/
.
UNISON, Scotland's largest local government union, has called on SNP Finance Secretary John Swinney to face up to the challenge of pay discrimination. The union’s move follows the publication of the latest Scottish Parliament investigation into equal pay, in which MSPs on the Parliament's Local Government Committee expressed dismay at the slow and costly progress towards pay equality and made a clear call for action by the Scottish Government.
Peter Hunter, UNISON Scotland Regional Organiser, said:
"The Scottish Government has sat on the sidelines throughout this process but the time has come for them to step up to the plate. This is the third parliamentary report calling for Government action on equal pay and the challenge can no longer be ignored."
Equal pay is widely recognised as the greatest destabilising force to hit local government finance in recent years. Despite compensation payments running to several hundred million pounds, low paid public service workers are still pursuing tens of thousands of equality claims.
Peter Hunter said:
"There was no financial provision for equal pay in the last SNP budget but the evidence of the last ten years shows that delay and denial only escalate equal pay costs. In England councils have access to special Treasury rules on capital expenditure to ease the equal pay burden. In Scotland we have had no meaningful government help – in fact employers are hounded for cuts and efficiencies at a time when record levels of compensation are being paid to workers."
UNISON Scotland welcomed the Committee’s recognition that single status is still work in progress in every local authority.
"Anyone who says otherwise is out of touch and misleading the public," said Peter Hunter. "UNISON rejected over 80% of the new pay systems on equality grounds and we will continue to litigate until we get genuine pay equality for our members."
Peter Hunter added:
"What people need to remember is that every million pounds of equal pay expenditure is a million pounds of hardship and suffering endured by low paid women who deliver vital public services. We have classroom assistants who teach disabled children 30 hours per week with no supervising teacher for £10,000 per annum. And that’s before tax and national insurance. Voters expect the Scottish Parliament to protect them from such rank injustice. It seems the Local Government Committee agrees. It’s time for the Scottish Government to take action now."
ENDS
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
Local Government Committee report on Equal pay
The Local Government & Communities committee of the Scottish Parliament made the following recommendations:
• The Scottish Government should facilitate urgent talks
• Employers should pay-up where workers have a strong equal pay claim
• Independent pay audits should be conducted annually to drive discrimination out of the system
• Councils need more money and the Government need to come up with a package including capitalisation
Press Release:
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/nmCentre/news/news-comm-09/clgc09-s3-003.htm
Committee Report
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/lgc/reports-09/lgr09-12.htm
UNISON's submission to Local Government Committee
In submissions to the Committee UNISON Scotland called on MSPs to:
• Press the Finance Secretary to reconsider the funding required to close the pay gap. The Committee has called on the Government to clarify their position.
• Press the Finance Secretary to establish capitalisation as a finance option and set out criteria against which applications can be made. The Committee has echoed that call.
• Press the Chancellor and the Finance Secretary to permit local authorities to offset equal pay costs, in whole or in part, against their share of any efficiency target. We are extremely disappointed that councils appear to be expected to increase seconding on equal pay while slashing services at the same time.
• Set a timetable for local government to implement single status in a way that eliminates discrimination and brings the repeated rounds of equal pay compensation to an end. The committee has called on the Government to facilitate talks designed to deliver pay equality.
• Invite Audit Scotland to review its Audit Methodology in a way that gives equality auditing the weight that is required by the Best Value regime. UNISON are delighted that the Committee has called for a new equality audit system to embedded into Audit Scotland’s revised Best Value scheme.
You can find the full UNISON Scotland Submission to the Scottish Parliament Local Government and Communities Committee in March 2009 at
http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/response/equalpaymarch09.html
UNISON Scotland news releases:
Stay in touch with UNISON Scotland's latest news releases on our website
http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/news/index.html
and frequent updates on our blog
http://unison-scotland.blogspot.com/
.
Tuesday, 9 June 2009
SCCS welcomes energy efficiency measures in Climate Change Bill
NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release: Tuesday 9 June 2009
CLIMATE CAMPAIGNERS WELCOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY MEASURES IN CLIMATE CHANGE BILL
Scottish campaigners representing over 1.5 million people across Scotland have welcomed amendments to deliver greater energy efficiency which have been approved by the Scottish Parliament committee scrutinising the Climate Change Bill today [1].
Amongst the amendments approved, were several put forward by Sarah Boyack MSP which will allow householders to receive discounts of up to £250 on their Council Tax bill if they install insulation or small-scale renewables. This measure was approved by MSPs on the committee by five votes in favour to three against. [2]
Speaking after the vote, Mike Robinson, chair of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland said:
“Achieving greater energy efficiency in Scotland is the first step on the road to a safe climate future. If we are to cut greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland by 80% by 2050 greater energy efficiency is a vital part of achieving this.
“Whilst we welcome these and other measures included in the Bill, the low target of cutting greenhouse gases by only 34% by 2020 – only 2% higher than current trends - is still a real concern. The scientific community is telling us that cuts of at least 42% are needed to avoid catastrophic climate change. With the potential for further amendments to be made to strengthen the Bill it is not too late for our MSPs to take the action that is needed.”
Chas Booth from the Association for the Conservation of Energy, a member of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, added,
“Energy efficiency is the cheapest, quickest and easiest way to cut carbon emissions, and also has the benefit of cutting people’s fuel bills too. Sarah Boyack’s amendment is an excellent example of using incentives to encourage energy saving behaviour, and we’re delighted the committee has backed her proposals today.”
Other energy efficiency amendments approved by MSPs today include a requirement for the Scottish Government to set tough energy efficiency standards for its own offices; a requirement to remove planning red tape from small-scale renewable installations and powers to local authorities to tackle energy wasted in tenements.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
[1] A full list of amendments debated at the Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee is available on the Scottish Parliament website:
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/17-ClimateChange/index.htm
[2] On amendments 259, 261 and 263 in the name of Sarah Boyack MSP, there voted:
Yes:
Patrick Harvie (Green)
Cathy Peattie (Labour)
Charlie Gordon (Labour)
Des McNulty (Labour)
Alison McInnes (Liberal Democrat)
No:
Rob Gibson (SNP)
Shirley-Anne Somerville (SNP)
Alex Johnstone (Conservative)
[3] Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) is a diverse, growing coalition of organisations campaigning on climate change. The SCCS Coalition has 40 Scottish members, representing more than 1.5 million supporters, ranging from environment and development groups to faith organisations, trade unions, student societies, care providers and many more. For full details visit www.stopclimatechaos.org/scotland.
Last Chance to Lobby for stronger Climate Change Bill - 24 June
Lobby 24 June Leaflet (pdf) Stop Climate Chaos Scotland wants to thank everyone who has lobbied their MSPs calling for a strong Climate Change Bill. We have had great feedback from MSPs who have had thousands of e-mails and visits.The Parliament is likely to make the final changes to the draft law on 24 and 25 June and so we have a last chance to push to get the best climate change legislation in the world. Stop Climate Chaos Scotland is organising a mass lobby of the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 24th June from 12 – 2.30pm.
We aim to bring people from across Scotland to the parliament to speak directly to their MSPs in support of early, tough action on climate change.
Please sign up now www.foe-scotland.org.uk/masslobby to join us at this crucial event. We will provide you with a fact-sheet before the event and updates on the day with last minute news. And, if you need it, some help with travel costs is available on request. We hope to see you on 24th June.
Stop Climate Chaos Scotland
Monday, 8 June 2009
Action4Equality Scotland issues apology to UNISON member
Monday 8 June 2009
Action4Equality Scotland, closely connected with no-win, no-fee solicitor Stefan Cross, has been forced into publishing a full apology to UNISON member Mrs Jacqueline Quinn.
Two separate articles which criticised Mrs Quinn for taking her equal pay claim away from NWNF solicitor Mr Cross provoked anger and the call for an apology.
Mrs Quinn had been persuaded to use the solicitor by promises of a quick result, but after months of waiting she decided to take advantage of free legal help available from the union. She was attacked on a website which also wrongly claimed that she was liable to pay a £500 bill.
In December 2008 the Court of Session ruled that Newcastle-based Mr Cross's contingency fee contract with Jacqueline Quinn was void and unenforceable in Scotland. The Court went on to ban Mr Cross from pursuing a bill for £500 from Mrs Quinn, a home care worker for Edinburgh Council.
UNISON Scottish Secretary Matt Smith, said:
"UNISON was pleased to help Jacqueline Quinn take a stand against Mr Cross and expose the flaws in his contract. She was not in breach of contract and it is only right that Action4Equality should apologise for the offence they have caused.
"The case has also highlighted the potential for thousands of other council and NHS workers in Scotland who have signed up to Contingency Fee Agreements to reclaim money deducted from their compensation."
The apology states:
"We now accept that Mrs Quinn was fully within her rights to challenge the Contingency Fee Agreement with Stefan Cross and acknowledge that on 16th December 2008 the Court granted an Order which declared that 'the pretended contract for the provision of legal services entered into between the Defenders and the Pursuer for the provision of legal services... is void and of no force or effect...' and that in the same Order the Court prohibited Stefan Cross from raising an action for payment against Mrs Quinn 'for sums due under (the) pretended contract' ".
.
Action4Equality Scotland, closely connected with no-win, no-fee solicitor Stefan Cross, has been forced into publishing a full apology to UNISON member Mrs Jacqueline Quinn.
Two separate articles which criticised Mrs Quinn for taking her equal pay claim away from NWNF solicitor Mr Cross provoked anger and the call for an apology.
Mrs Quinn had been persuaded to use the solicitor by promises of a quick result, but after months of waiting she decided to take advantage of free legal help available from the union. She was attacked on a website which also wrongly claimed that she was liable to pay a £500 bill.
In December 2008 the Court of Session ruled that Newcastle-based Mr Cross's contingency fee contract with Jacqueline Quinn was void and unenforceable in Scotland. The Court went on to ban Mr Cross from pursuing a bill for £500 from Mrs Quinn, a home care worker for Edinburgh Council.
UNISON Scottish Secretary Matt Smith, said:
"UNISON was pleased to help Jacqueline Quinn take a stand against Mr Cross and expose the flaws in his contract. She was not in breach of contract and it is only right that Action4Equality should apologise for the offence they have caused.
"The case has also highlighted the potential for thousands of other council and NHS workers in Scotland who have signed up to Contingency Fee Agreements to reclaim money deducted from their compensation."
The apology states:
"We now accept that Mrs Quinn was fully within her rights to challenge the Contingency Fee Agreement with Stefan Cross and acknowledge that on 16th December 2008 the Court granted an Order which declared that 'the pretended contract for the provision of legal services entered into between the Defenders and the Pursuer for the provision of legal services... is void and of no force or effect...' and that in the same Order the Court prohibited Stefan Cross from raising an action for payment against Mrs Quinn 'for sums due under (the) pretended contract' ".
.
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
SCCS Welcomes Important Climate Change Bill Amendments
2 June 2009 For Immediate Release
STATEMENT FROM STOP CLIMATE CHAOS SCOTLAND
The Scottish Parliament Transport Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee resumed today (Tuesday) to continue its discussions on Stage 2 of the Scottish Climate Change Bill.
Reacting to the Committee’s decision to approve Labour MSP Cathy Peattie’s amendment on climate change duty for public bodies:
Mike Robinson, Chair of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, said:
"SCCS is very pleased that the Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green members voted in favour of Cathy Peattie’s amendments. The duty will mean that all public bodies in Scotland will have to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We believe this is an extremely important step in ensuring the public sector leads by example. With a strong 2020 target, this Bill can show real vision, but all the parties need to play a role."
On the amendment tabled by the SNP’s Shirley-Anne Sommerville on consumption reporting which was also approved:
Dr Richard Dixon, Director of WWF Scotland said:
"This is a very important measure. We don’t make steel in Scotland any more but we certainly still use it in products ranging from cars and washing machines to steel beams for buildings. All the emissions from making that steel for us are now counted as some other country's problem. Including annual reporting on consumption means we will be able to see what emissions we are causing around the world by buying goods and services from overseas.
"This will help us to cut our climate footprint at home and abroad, as well as persuading politicians to make our own industries greener rather than exporting both emissions and jobs overseas."
Ends
Notes to editors:
[1] Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) is a diverse, growing coalition of organisations campaigning on climate change. The SCCS Coalition has 60 Scottish members, representing more than 2 million supporters, ranging from environment and development groups to faith organisations, trade unions, student societies, care providers and many more. For full details visit www.stopclimatechaos.org/scotland
[2] In December world leaders will gather in Copenhagen to agree a new international climate deal that will come into force when the first phase of the Kyoto treaty expires in 2012.
[3] SCCS will be helping organise a Climate Change march in Glasgow on 5th December.
STATEMENT FROM STOP CLIMATE CHAOS SCOTLAND
The Scottish Parliament Transport Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee resumed today (Tuesday) to continue its discussions on Stage 2 of the Scottish Climate Change Bill.
Reacting to the Committee’s decision to approve Labour MSP Cathy Peattie’s amendment on climate change duty for public bodies:
Mike Robinson, Chair of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, said:
"SCCS is very pleased that the Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green members voted in favour of Cathy Peattie’s amendments. The duty will mean that all public bodies in Scotland will have to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We believe this is an extremely important step in ensuring the public sector leads by example. With a strong 2020 target, this Bill can show real vision, but all the parties need to play a role."
On the amendment tabled by the SNP’s Shirley-Anne Sommerville on consumption reporting which was also approved:
Dr Richard Dixon, Director of WWF Scotland said:
"This is a very important measure. We don’t make steel in Scotland any more but we certainly still use it in products ranging from cars and washing machines to steel beams for buildings. All the emissions from making that steel for us are now counted as some other country's problem. Including annual reporting on consumption means we will be able to see what emissions we are causing around the world by buying goods and services from overseas.
"This will help us to cut our climate footprint at home and abroad, as well as persuading politicians to make our own industries greener rather than exporting both emissions and jobs overseas."
Ends
Notes to editors:
[1] Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) is a diverse, growing coalition of organisations campaigning on climate change. The SCCS Coalition has 60 Scottish members, representing more than 2 million supporters, ranging from environment and development groups to faith organisations, trade unions, student societies, care providers and many more. For full details visit www.stopclimatechaos.org/scotland
[2] In December world leaders will gather in Copenhagen to agree a new international climate deal that will come into force when the first phase of the Kyoto treaty expires in 2012.
[3] SCCS will be helping organise a Climate Change march in Glasgow on 5th December.
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