UNISON Scotland Press Releases 2001

UNISONScotland, Scotland's public service union, today called for the Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) to reveal the detail of its funding plans to take over the city's council housing stock. UNISON claims that there is still a huge shortfall in funding and that the details should be public before the much-postponed tenants ballot on stock transfer takes place.

"No details of the funding package that supposedly backs up the GHA's business case have been revealed - either to Glasgow City Councillors or to tenants. We think that this is because there are huge gaps, and some prospective funders are refusing to commit. In any case it is completely unfair to ask tenants to vote on an incomplete and secret plan."

The union is also calling on the STUC to arrange a major conference in the city in the early new year to look at alternatives to Housing Stock Transfer. Mike Kirby again

"It is time the alternatives to Whole Stock Transfer are more widely debated. Now that councils elsewhere in Scotland have decided not to go down the HST road, it is time we looked at these alternatives more thoroughly. If the Government doesn't want to look at these, we want an authoritative body like to STUC to do so."

UNISON, is Scotland's major Housing union, with members in council and housing association housing. It has consistently campaigned against whole-stock transfer in Glasgow and elsewhere in Scotland.

For Further Information Please Contact:
Mike Kirby, (Scottish Convenor) 07803 952 261(m)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0771 558 3729(m)

Nursery staff warn of increased campaign

Scottish nursery nurses are to step up their campaign for a fair pay structure, following the refusal of CoSLA to negotiate on the claim, UNISONScotland, Scotland's public service union, warned today. Scotland's Local Government employers have refused to even discuss a claim to review nursery nurses' Scottish grades and conditions, last looked at in 1988.

"Despite the fact that there are currently supposed to be Scottish-wide terms and conditions; that the Scottish Executive have recently created a national framework for Nursery Nurses; and that we are looking for a Scottish solution; Scotland's employers seem happy to try to wash their hands of us."

Nursery Nurses who work in Scotland's day nurseries, nursery schools and classes, community nurseries and special schools, are seeking a four-level career structure, moving from nursery nurse grade up to head of establishment. They say that a review is needed both to reflect the increases in the duties of nursery staff since 1988, and to deal with the increasing anomalies across Scotland. At this stage nursery nurses are not revealing their next steps, but it will involve increasing pressure on both Scottish local authorities and the Scottish Executive. Carol Ball says

"We do not accept CoSLA's view that nothing can be done for nursery nurses. We intend to continue our campaign and make it clear to local authorities that we are not going to go away. Our nursery nurse members play a key role in the education of our young children, and we will be increasing the public pressure on our employers and their paymasters."

For Further Information Please Contact:
Carol Ball (Chair - Nursery Nurses Working Gp)
Joe Di Paola (UNISON Scottish Org Local Govt) 07990 505698(m)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0771 558 3729(m)

UNISON, Scotland's healthcare union, said they were disappointed by the 3.6% pay rise for nursing staff announced by the Pay Review Body today(17 December). At a meeting of the union's Healthcare Committee today, Jim Devine, UNISON's Scottish Organiser for Health said:

"This increase will not resolve the recruitment and retention difficulties the NHS in Scotland is currently experiencing. One in every four nurses registered with the UKCC(the professional registering body for nursing) are currently not practising in any healthcare sector - they have chosen the work outside healthcare. This pay rise will not serve to bring them back.

"For an average nurse, this pay rise is worth £1.50 per day. This is very different to the pay increase that MSP's are due to vote themselves this week. If 6% is the going rate for our politicians, it should be the going rate for all public services workers."

For Further Information Please Contact:
Jim Devine (UNISON Scottish Org Health) 0131-226 2662(w) 07719 369 874(m)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0141-332 0006(w) 0771 558 3729(m)

Partnership Learning Fund gives staff IT start

UNISON, Scotland's largest union, has used money awarded by the Scottish Executive set up one of the first Basic IT Skills Training Courses for workers who have had no experience of computers. The course, run in artnership with Glasgow City Council, will be attended by 32 City ouncil staff and is funded by the Scottish Union Learning Fund (SULF).

It will take place in the Glasgow City Council Learning Centre today ecember 13th 2001), which has been completely refurbished following rants from the Scottish University For Industry (SUFI).

"This is the first of a number of projects the union plans to organise in partnership with employers. The Scottish Union Learning Fund grant will enable over 100 workers throughout Scotland to start basic skills training on computers. This has been a tremendous partnership development, involving the Workers Educational Association(WEA), and the Scottish Executive, as well as UNISON and various councils.

The project will last until March 31 2002 and involve 32 City Council staff. UNISON will be running similar projects in 3 other authorities throughout Scotland. UNISON received an award of £48k to set up the IT Skills training, and also received an award of £36k to train lifelong learning advisors.

For Further Information Please Contact:
Stan Morris (Development Officer) 0141-332 0006(w)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0141-332 0006(w) 0141-959 7165(h)

Private beds won't tackle NHS waiting lists

UNISON, Scotland's healthcare union, today welcomed the announcement on the NHS in Scotland by Malcolm Chisolm MSP. The union sees the establishment of the National Waiting Times Co-ordination Unit as putting the use of the NHS beds at the centre of the campaign to cut waiting times

"We are pleased that the Minister has accepted UNISON arguments that better co-ordination can mean better use of NHS beds. We agree with the Minister that private sector capacity in Scotland is limited and cannot make a significant difference to waiting lists. It would also prove to be an expensive option and merely lead to NHS consultants doing the operations in private hospitals rather than NHS ones.

"What has been suggested is clearly in line with UNISON's argument that we have one NHS in Scotland and not the range of competing authorities that the Tories left us. We will be writing to Mr Chisolm suggesting a UNISON name for the Unit"

For Further Information Please Contact:
Jim Devine(Scottish Organiser-Health) 0771 936 9874(m)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0141-332 0006(w) 0141-959 7165(h)

Public services central to success of Scottish Government

UNISON, Scotland's public service union, today published a draft manifesto as part of its campaign for public services.

Entitled ...for world class public services., the draft was launched at the union's celebration of Scotland's public services on Scotland's Public Services Day at The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh on Wednesday 5 December 2001.

"This draft manifesto is an initial statement of our aims. The basic principles that any government will require to adopt if they are to deliver the renewed services that the Scottish people deserve. We know that the people of Scotland value their public services, and we know that they want them delivered by the public sector. We will be circulating this draft manifesto widely, hoping both to pick up support for its principles and to get other organisations' views on our aims."

At the celebration in the Hub, UNISON were joined by Andy Kerr, Minister for Finance and Public Service and a number of Scotland's MSP's and their researchers.

They saw UNISON's new cinema advert (see it at www.unison.org.uk) which reminds the Government that 83% of the UK population doesn't want public services run by the private sector (the figure in Scotland is higher at 91%). They were also given the union's draft Scottish manifesto, which argues for delivery of public services by, fully trained, in -house staff rather than by the private sector.

Also present were representatives of the various services in which UNISON organises. Local Government, Health Service, Higher and Further Education, Water, the Energy Industry and the Community and Voluntary Sector.

The Positively Public Campaign is a UK-wide Campaign and will continue to run up to and beyond the next Scottish Parliamentary Elections.

Note to Editors: A copy of ...for world class public services is available from Chris Bartter at The Hub or Aileen Ward at the UNISON office (0141-332 0006)

For Further Information Please Contact:
Matt Smith (Scottish Secretary) 0141-332 0006(w) 07771 548997(m)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0141-332 0006(w) 0141-959 7165(h)
Please direct calls on the 5 Dec to The Hub on 0131-473 2042

UNISON ballots SEPA staff on attempt to cut wages

UNISON, Scotland's public service union, is running a consultative ballot for its members working for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), the union announced today (Monday 3) .

The ballot has been called because of an attempt by the agency to end staff protection agreements leading to a future threat to individuals pay. The SEPA management have offered a three year pay deal to their staff, but tied to this are the strings of removing the existing protections for staff pay agreed at the establishment of SEPA, and tying some payscales to membership of professional institutes.

UNISON thinks that this will discriminate against existing experienced staff. Marion Adamson, UNISON's Regional Officer said,

"SEPA management are using the annual pay discussions to introduce a deal that rips up existing agreements, and gives the agency the future right to cut wages of individuals as they choose. It is particularly unfair to long serving members of staff who have given a lot of service to the Agency and its predecssors."

The ballot comes on top of a decision by SEPA to withhold staff's performance pay elements. UNISON thinks this was a crude attempt to coerce staff into accepting a deal, and has already submitted Employment Tribunal claims under the Wages Act, for repayment of this entitlement.

Marion Adamson says "This is the latest step in an attempt by SEPA management who have launched a concerted attack on their staff's pay and conditions. We are urging our members to reject the Agency three year deal. Hopefully a strong united vote will send a signal to the management that staff are far from happy at this."

Members will be receiving their ballot papers today (Monday) and the result is due next Monday (10 Dec).

Note for Editors: SEPA is a government agency, set up in 1997, whose role is to protect the environment. UNISON is the recognised union organising SEPA's 800 staff

For Further Information Please Contact: Marion Adamson (UNISON Regional Organiser) 0131-226 2662(w)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0141-332 0006(w)

UNISON takes 'positively public' argument direct to government

UNISON, Scotland's public service union, is to take its campaign for public services direct to the heart of the Scottish Parliament later this week. The union is running a celebration of Scotland's public services on Scotland's Public Services Day at The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh on Wednesday 5 December 2001. From 12.30 until 2.00pm.

All Scotland's MSP's have been invited to come to The Hub to see UNISON's new Cinema Advert which reminds the Government that 83% of the UK population doesn't want public services run by the private sector (the figure in Scotland is higher at 91%).

They will also be given the union's reasons backing their Positively Public campaign for delivery of public services by, fully trained, in -house staff rather than by the private sector. Speaking at the event will be Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish Secretary, and Andy Kerr MSP, Minister for Finance and Public Services has accepted an invitation to be present.

Also present will be representatives of the various services in which UNISON organises. Local Government, Health Service, Higher and Further Education, Water, the Energy Industry and the Community and Voluntary Sector.

Matt Smith said: "We want to engage the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament in the discussion about producing world-class public services in Scotland. We also want to point out that these are not going to be possible if there is continued adherence to the myth that the private sector can deliver effective public services."

The Positively Public Campaign is a UK-wide Campaign and on the 4 December activities will be taking place across the UK including a lobby of the Westminster Parliament. On the 5 there will also be activities taking place in UNISON branches across Scotland.

Note for Editors/Picture Editors: You are invited to send a representative to the above event. Contributions from Matt Smith and Andy Kerr MSP, will be at around 1.00 pm. The event will finish at 2.00pm

For Further Information Please Contact:
Matt Smith (Scottish Secretary) 0141 332 0006
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0141 332 0006

UNISON Annual Nursing Conference advises nurses to raise concerns about staffing levels

UNISON which represents more than 35,000 Scottish nurses, will today be advising nurses that they must raise concerns about low staffing levels formally if they do not want to compromise patient care or their professional accountability.

UNISON, the largest health service union for midwives and health visitors, is hosting its Annual Scottish Nursing conference on Friday 30 November in the Walton Suite at the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow at 10.30am.

Official figures show that the workload for nurses has more than doubled over a fifteen-year period. This UNISON conference offers nurses practical advice from UNISON’s National Professional Officer, Karen Jennings with the use of their ‘Be Safe’ alert forms which were devised by UNISON in liaison with the nurses professional body, UKCC. Maureen Williams from UKCC, and Lynn MacMillan Scottish Director of ‘Public Interest at Work, Scotland will also be speaking. MSP Janis Hughes who is a former UNISON Nurse will be officially opening the Conference.

Bridget Hunter, UNISON Scotland’s Lead Officer for Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors says: -

"For years UNISON, on behalf of its nurses, have raised concerns about inadequate staffing levels, short term contracts, and the abuse of bank/agency nurses which undoubtedly has a direct and negative impact on the care delivered to patients. We now say it is time for the Government to stop dithering and deliver the goods to deal with the situation before its too late.

"Earlier this month the Minister for Health and Community Care convened a Nursing Summit which admitted that we have a shortage of nursing staff and if we are to avert a catastrophe in years to come, we need to recruit and retain nurses now. She promised £1.5m to assist with the process but we need that level of funding to be delivered to almost every trust in the Scotland to make a difference."

For further information contact
Bridget Hunter, Lead Officer for Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors: 0141-332-0006

UNISON condemns Lothian nursing cuts

Scotland’s largest healthcare union, UNISON have today condemned the cuts announced by Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust (LUHNT) and accused Lothian Health Board of "stuffing the mouths of Private Contractors with gold instead of stuffing our wards with doctors, nurses and domestics."

Reacting to the cuts announced by LUHNT, Jim Devine, Scottish Organiser of Health said: "At a time of record resources being invested in the National Health Services, one has to ask why are Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust announcing a cuts package of doctors, nurses and other NHS staff? The only reason that this is happening is because Lothian NHS are renting a hospital from the private sector, which has been built by the private sector, which will be owned by the private sector, will be administered by the private sector, a private sector, who by law ensure that their first priority is to make profit for their shareholders. Provision for patient care therefore becomes a poor second. The Scottish Health Service is literally stuffing the mouth of the private sector with gold when we should be stuffing our wards with doctors, nurses and domestics."

Tom Waterson, of UNISON said: "Our members affected are telling us that there is no question that these cuts will compromise patient care. We have serious concerns that the posts have been removed without proper consultation with the Trade Unions."

UNISON understands that the following jobs are affected: Diabetes Nurse Specialists, ID Councillors, Nurse Grades B - F, Education Co-ordinators, Child Health Lecturer, Nurse Practitioners, G Grade Clinical Managers, Clinical Support Workers, Infant Feeding Strategist, Tissue Viability Nurse, Practice Development Nurses & Sick Children’s A&E Nurses.

A number of other Nursing & Midwifery posts are also subject to review, but at this stage these proposals are subject to confidentiality. A whole range of other posts are also being axed by the Trust, mainly Admin & Clerical, Therapists and a small number of managerial staff.

For Further Information Contact :
Tom Waterson, Staff Side Chair, LUHNT: 0131-536-3595 (work)

Note to Editor
There will be a meeting of affected staff tomorrow (Friday) at 2.30pm in the Large Surgical Lecture Theatre at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Jim Devine will be in attendance and you are cordially invited.

Environment watchdog staff claim wages 'unlawfully withheld'

Around 40 staff in the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have submitted claims to Employment Tribunal claiming the Agency has unlawfully deducted wages from then since April this year. The payments are part of a performance related payment and range from £20 - £70 per month per person.

"SEPA management originally agreed to pay these increases. - due in April - in August. Then with no warning and no authority they stopped the August payroll and refused to pay out. They have admitted that they have no statutory right to stop these payments, and UNISON is taking the agency to an ET with a claim for unauthorised deduction under the Wages Act."

The dispute comes in the middle of discussions on the Agency staffs pay claim and a potential long term pay deal. UNISON thinks this is a crude attempt to coerce staff into accepting a deal.

"Right through these discussions there has been an 'anti-staff' attitude emerging, and proposals have been produced by the management that would impose wage cuts in the future. UNISON thinks it is no accident that in the middle of this discussion, payments to which the staff are entitled have been unlawfully withheld from their pay. This kind of unfair pressure is unacceptable, and virtually all our members are currently completing ET forms."

Note for Editors: SEPA is a government agency, set up in 1997, whose role is to protect the environment. UNISON is the recognised union organising SEPA's 800 staff

Marion Adamson (UNISON Regional Organiser) 0131-226 2662(w)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0141-332 0006(w) 0141-959 7165(h)

UNISON campaign steps up a gear with 'Positively Public' cinema ad

UNISON, the UK's largest union, today (21 November) announced further events in a £1m public services campaign which will put further pressure on the Government to deliver on promises made to the union and the electorate.

The union screens a cinema advert which will go into cinemas from the end of the week, and plans are being made for its distribution in Scotland The advert warns the Prime Minister to 'Remember the 83%'. It refers to the 83% of the UK population who don't want public services to be run by the private sector in a poll commissioned by UNISON. (The figure in Scotland is 91%)

In Scotland it will be on show at the Public Services Day event run by UNISON for the Scottish Parliament on December 5 2001. This will take place at the Hub, Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh between 12.30 and 2.00pm. All Scotland's MSP's are being invited to a day that will explore what is needed if Scotland's public services are to be modernised

"UNISON is discussing with Scottish Ministers the need to work together to reform public services, and has constantly pressed them to do so on the basis of a properly trained and resourced, in-house public services team."

"Our campaign reminds the Government that it has to deliver to the electorate on promises made. We want reform of the public services. Reform that is not based on a two-tier workforce nor on wage and pension cuts for the low paid which is what happens when private contractors move in. Reform based on the real needs of our public services, not on an ideological preference for the private sector. Reform based on a clear-eyed assessment of what really works to deliver high quality, value for money services.

"And our campaign reminds the Government that the public does not support the increasing use of the private sector to run our public services. They want quality public services and they don't want private companies making profits out of our sick, our children and our elderly".

There will also be a national day of action celebrating public services on 4 December. There will be a central rally and lobby of Parliament and a series of regional events taking place. UNISON is also collecting thousands of postcards supporting its Positively Public campaign which will be delivered to the Prime Minister before the end of the year.

*Copies of the ad storyboard/VHS/BETA copies available from the London Press office, numbers below. It is also viewable on the UNISON website www.unison.org.uk

For Further Information Please Contact:
Matt Smith (Scottish Secretary) 0141-332 0006(w)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0141-332 0006(w)
Anne Mitchell (Press Officer - UNISON UK) 0207 383 0717(w) 07623 159 382 (p)

UNISON calls for real modernisation and partnership to make services Positively Public

UNISON is calling on Scotland’s First Minister elect to abandon ‘outdated’ privatisation and PFI schemes and to look at imaginative ways to modernise public services by giving them the public investment they need.

UNISON will make the call at an Edinburgh Trade Union Council Rally for Public Services in the Assembly Rooms George Street Edinburgh at 2pm on Saturday 17 November.

John Stevenson, the union’s Edinburgh Branch Secretary and chair of its Scottish Campaigns Committee said,

“We want modern public services. Grown-up public services. Public services that are so modern, there might be enough homes and foster parents to go round to protect and help children in trouble.

“Public services that are so modern that when you build a new hospital you get more beds, not less.

“Public services that are so modern that they do not go back to the private, profit driven services that collapsed and had to be brought into public control by our forebears.”

Mr Stevenson slammed PFI as “bleeding funds from other services to pay for private profit.” “You pay for it, I pay for it - and because it is tied up in 30 year contracts, our children pay for it and their children pay for it”, he warned.

UNISON was offering a partnership to the government. “We should rightly praise the achievements of our Scottish Parliament and give credit where it is due”, said Mr Stevenson.

“But part of any partnership must be mutual respect. And that means listening to your friends and being big enough to recognise that the people who actually deliver the services have valid points to make. “Only then will be be able to deliver services that are accountable, efficient, delivered by a valued and properly paid team and truly Positively Public”.

Danger of two-tier Freedom of Information regime

UNISON, Scotland's public service union, today warned that the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill may mean that people, who rely on the private sector to provide their schools, hospitals and other services, cannot use the legislation to get information on them. The union also said that the law was unlikely to be effective unless resources were provided for the staff who will require to provide the information.

Chris Bartter (UNISON's Communications Officer) was giving evidence to the Scottish Parliament's Justice 1 Committee today (13 November). He said

"In order to avoid the creation of a two-tier FoI regime, the Bill must state clearly that its purpose is to cover all public service providers, and should include methods to ensure that everyone who provides public services has to account for them."

The union, claims that many private sector and charitable service providers such as contractors maintaining Scotland's trunk roads and residential care charities, will only be covered by the law if ministers so decide.

"Whilst we welcome the main thrust of this legislation, the fact remains that only public authorities are currently subject to its provisions. There are a whole raft of bodies who may or may not be covered, dependent on ministerial decision."

The union points out that the list of authorities covered excludes some key players.

"Social organisations as Housing Associations, Local Enterprise Companies, Social Inclusion Partnerships and the voluntary sector deliver peoples services using public money." Chris said "They must be subject to the same obligations to give the public information as Local Authority Housing Departments, Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish Tourist Board and Health Trusts."

UNISON is also concerned that the Executive seems to be set to make no resources available to authorities to deliver the service. Chris went on;

"The policy memorandum to the Bill estimates that the delivery of FoI will cost between £2.5m - £4.8m pa, yet rather patronisingly suggest that this can all be provided from existing resources. This could mean that authorities are in no position to deliver the requested information as they haven't had the resources to set up the required systems"

{Note to the Editor: UNISON's written evidence to the Justice Committee is available from Chris Bartter (below) or here on the UNISON-Scotland website.

"Health Visitors Cuts Undermine Healthy Scotland Strategy" Warns UNISON

Scotland’s largest healthcare union, UNISON has today warned that cuts in the number of home visits by Health Visitors "undermines the Scottish Executive’s Healthy Scotland Strategy"

Speaking at a Health Visitors Delegate Conference in Dunblane, the UNISON Scottish Organiser for Health, Jim Devine said:

"In 1990 Health Visitors in Scotland seen 512,500 patients at home and that year over 1.9m home visits were made to these patients.

"The latest figures show that the number of patients visited had fallen by nearly a third to 347,700 and the number of home visits to just over 1.2m.

"When one breaks down last years visits on a Health Board by Health Board basis discrepancies become very marked. There are twice as many visits by a Health Visitor in Dumfries and Grampian compared to Greater Glasgow Health Board. Bottom of the numbers of visits league is Highland Health Board.

"Health Visitors are at the forefront of the Scottish Executive’s Healthy Scotland Strategy. They are the only health service staff who visit well people. Health Visitors encourage mothers to breast-feed, advise on diet, monitor potential child abuse and are a crucial support to the wellbeing of the family.

"The reduction in the number of Health Visitors, and the visits that they make, undermine the Scottish Executive’s Healthy Scotland Strategy.

"Working in partnership with UNISON, the Scottish Executive should establish minimum standards in relation to Health Visitor numbers and visits throughout Scotland."

For further information contact Jim Devine, Scottish Organiser: 0141-332-0006

"End Blame Culture in NHS" says UNISON

Scotland’s largest healthcare union, UNISON today called for an end to the blame culture that prevails in the National Health Service and reminded MSPs that they have a major role to play in this strategy.

On the eve of the first major conference between Senior Managers and MSPs, Jim Devine, Scottish Organiser (Health) said:

"Over the past few days the media, MSPs and health trade unions have been focusing on the bullying survey in Grampian and the staffing issues at the Beatson Oncology Unit in Glasgow. The first response appears to be an attempt to blame someone. Some MSPs blame the Scottish Executive, others blame the management and some blame the staff.

"What is needed is an informed debate between patients/clients, the Scottish Executive, hospital management and the trade unions. That debate should include resources, workload, staffing and ability to deliver care.

"That is why we welcome the participation of MSPs at our conference tomorrow, where for the first time MSPs, Senior NHS Managers and Senior NHS Civil Servants will debate the relationship between the Parliament and the Scottish Health Service.

For further information contact Jim Devine, Scottish Organiser: 0141-332-0006

British Energy Generation - Pay 2001
Industrial Action looms

The five Trades Unions recognised by British Energy Generation who run Britain's nuclear power stations, AEEU, GMB, PROSPECT (formerly EMA), TGWU and UNISON announced today that their members had voted overwhelmingly for both action short of a strike and for strike action in a dispute over pay. This was due from 1 July 2001.

In a high turnout by all of the Trades Union members the message sent to British Energy is to meet the demands for a one year pay deal with no strings attached and at the going rate in the industry rather than the offer on the table that is for 2 years, pay linked to performance and guaranteed rises in pensionable pay below the going rate.

The Trades Unions say that the Company have constantly failed to listen to the messages staff have been giving the Board and the ballot result indicates that.

Industrial action will commence in the next three weeks unless a realistic deal can be struck. It is inevitable that when action commences all of British Energy’s plant in the UK will be shut down. This will affect 25% of the UK’s electricity production.* The Trades Unions will ensure that all safety procedures are adhered to and that there will be absolutely no risk to the public or employees.

The percentage of electricity in Scotland produced by nuclear power is 50% rather than the 25% in the UK as a whole. This means the likely effect on Scotland will be that much quicker and more widespread.

Scotland’s largest health care union, UNISON, today warned the Scottish Executive that unless the issue of low pay amongst health workers was resolved, the Scottish Health Service faces a recruitment crises.

Speaking at a meeting of NHS staff in Aberdeen, the Scottish Organiser of Health for UNISON, Jim Devine, said:

"Low pay is endemic in the National Health Service and it is having an impact on recruitment and retention of staff. The average age of a nurse in Scotland is 48 and a starting salary of a degree qualified nurse is around £15,000 a year. It is, therefore, hardly surprising that we are having difficulty recruiting and retaining nurses.

Ancillary staff start at £4.23 per hour or £165.12 per week and admin and clerical staff, with all their skills and expertise, start on a derisory salary of £9,670 a year.

National Health Service vacancies in some disciplines are at an all-time high and areas like Grampian, Glasgow and Lothian are experiencing major difficulties recruiting and retaining staff. Some hospitals in Scotland are experiencing an annual turnover in staff of over 100%.

Unless, by working in partnership with the NHS Trade Unions, the Scottish Executive does not resolve the low pay epidemic that prevails in the National Health Service, then we face a recruitment crisis which will have a direct impact on our ability to delivery quality care to the people of Scotland."

JIM DEVINE will be available for interview at 10.00 in the Aberdeen Office, Grampian Resource Centre, 7 Alford Place, Aberdeen AB1 2YD

"Private Sector in National Health Service Immoral and Impractical" say UNISON

On the eve of the opening of the latest major hospital built under the PFI project, at Wishaw General Hospital, Scotland’s largest healthcare union, UNISON have today condemned the private sector involvement in the National Health Service as impractical and immoral.

"On Monday, the latest hospital build by the private sector will be opened at Wishaw", said Jim Devine, Scottish Organiser of Health.

"It will no doubt reflect the same problems that presently prevail at Hairmyres.

"Hairmyres was the first hospital in Scotland built under the PFI initiative. UNISON is presently in dispute at that hospital on issues like nursing establishment, reduction in beds and even on the design of the hospital.

"Four years prior to the process starting, over 500 porters, domestics and catering staff were employed by this Trust. These jobs were privatised and there are now 309 of these staff employed by the private sector.

"Astonishingly, these staff are employed by two different companies and work under four different sets of terms and conditions. The majority of the staff are employed by ISS and they receive the following terms and conditions:

Pay Rate is £4.18 an hour for new starts and does not change whether you work for the company for 5, 10, 15 or 20 years.

Sick pay is accrued at the rate of one day per month – provided there has been no absence.

"It is impractical to provide a joined up, co-ordinated support service if the staff are employed by different companies and are on different terms and conditions. One has also to say that this is an immoral way to treat workers, mainly women workers. These are individuals who may have worked for the health service for 5, 10, or 15 years and they were sold in the market place to the lowest bidder.

"In the new Scotland, the message should be very clear. The private sector’s involvement in the NHS is both immoral and impractical and the Scottish Executive should review their policies as a matter of urgency."

For further information contact:
Jim Devine, Scottish Organiser: 0141-332-0006, 07719-369-874

UNISON NORTH GLASGOW HOSPITALS BRANCH
Medical Secretaries’ Strike Suspended- Improved Deal Won!

North Glasgow Hospitals Branch will suspend industrial action from tomorrow as a result of an improved offer by North Glasgow Trust management.

Medical secretaries have been taking industrial action since the beginning of August. All out indefinite action started on 22nd. October.

Following lengthy negotiations, culminating in a 7½ hour meeting on Wednesday, an improved offer was put to medical secretaries at a meeting in Glasgow Royal Infirmary this morning. The offer represented a significant shift in the Trust’s position and means;

•Additional incremental credit for a large number that will assist them on to the grade 4 salary scale.

•A total of 13 months arrears of pay, including overtime payments at the enhanced rate. (back pay from 1st October 2000).

This will mean average arrears of pay of £1200 excluding overtime payments. The Trust have reinstated all annual leave that was deducted as a result of the action.

Some detail and processes will be worked through in the next 2 weeks. It is hoped that the agreement will be delivered in full so that any further disruption can be avoided.

Carolyn Leckie, Branch Secretary said, "Our members are delighted that their action has been successful. I am glad the Trust and the Branch have been able to reach agreement.

Standing up and fighting works. Throughout this dispute we have had the support of other Trade Unionists and the general public. Public service workers don’t take strike action lightly. I hope this will help to improve the confidence of other workers in improving their conditions."

Frances Lyall, UNISON Steward and medical secretary said, "This is recognition at last of the justness of our claim. NHS workers, including porters, cleaners etc are undervalued. We have secured improved recognition for the job we do. But like the majority of employees in the NHS, we remain underpaid. There is still a lot to be done. I hope that this is the start of the end of low pay in the NHS.

For further information, contact:
Carolyn Leckie; 07799642929
Frances Lyall; 07711578397

“Time to participate fully in the NHS family” UNISON call to BMA

Scotland’s largest healthcare union, UNISON tonight called on the BMA to fully participate in “the NHS family”.

Speaking at the annual dinner of the BMA’s Medical Services Committee, the UNISON Scottish Organiser of Health, Jim Devine said, “The BMA, the Royal College Of Nursing and UNISON represent 94% of all organised staff working in the Scottish Health Service. For far too long we have negotiated at separate tables, no doubt to the detriment of all our members.

“Playing one group of NHS staff off against another is no longer an option in a devolved Scotland. Over the next few years we are going to see radical change in the provision of healthcare in which members of the BMA, Royal College of Nursing and UNISON will be at the forefront.

“Throughout Europe the model for public sector trade unions include Nurses, Domestics, Porters and Doctors. It is naive to assume that any negotiations that take place in the NHS does not have an impact on the broader family and that is why we are tonight calling on the BMA to fully participate in the HR Agenda.

“The previous practices of all the major NHS trade unions are no longer sustainable in a new devolved Sctland. On 11 5eptember 2001, George Bush learned that isolationism is not a strategy that can be followed in today’s world. Major NHS Health Service unions in Scotland must learn the same lesson;”

For further information contact: Jim Devine, Scottish Organiser: 0141-332-0006

UNISON, the largest Scottish Water Industry union today criticised the legislation setting up the new Scottish Water Authority as allowing the new company to 'change the structure of Scotland's water service with little or no democratic control'. The union also criticised the legislation for failing to take sufficient account of staff concerns. At a presentation to the Scottish Parliament's Transport and Environment Committee, Dave Watson, UNISON's Scottish Organiser for the utilities said

"The powers being given to Scottish Water are too widely drawn. The whole structure of the industry could be changed with no democratic approval. It could turn itself into an enabling authority, or greatly expand PFI with no directions from Scottish Ministers. Ironically approval for cheaper public sector borrowing is far more restricted."

There are also major gaps in the legislation dealing with staff protection during the transfer, according to UNISON. Dave Watson says

"There is nothing in the Bill that guarantees protection for staff pensions, and it is unclear who will be responsible for bargaining on pay and conditions. We want a proper staff transfer order, incorporating both TUPE protection and statutory protection for pension rights, so that the pensions robbery that occurred in the Trunk Roads Maintenance fiasco has no chance of happening again."

The Water Industry Commissioner(WIC)'s position also attracts UNISON criticism. The union feels that some powers being given to the WIC could be exploited by private water firms to 'cherry pick' profitable services, leaving Scottish Water with the costly domestic supply.

For Further Information Please Contact:
Dave Watson (Scottish Organiser - Utilities) 0141-332 0006(w) 07973 672 513(m)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0141-332 0006(w)

Around 6,000 Scottish police support staff are to get a two-year pay deal that will take the lowest paid out of the poverty pay trap and deliver fair pay, UNISONScotland, Scotland's public service union, announced today. The pay deal involves a 3.5% rise for this year (backdated to 1 September 2001, and a 3% rise for 2002.

"This is a two-year, above-inflation deal that brings the lowest paid police support staff above the £5.00 per hour minimum for the first time. UNISON is very pleased that we have agreed this important step towards eradicating low pay in the police service."

The deal provides that the bottom two pay points will be abolished, moving anyone on those points up to the third point on the scale. Coupled with the rise, this means the lowest paid will now move onto over £10,000 a year.

Police support staff, carry out vital support functions in Scotland's police forces including, scenes-of-crime officers; telephonists; fingerprint officers; station assistants and radio control officers.

The results of a new survey carried out by UNISON into the use of safe needles in the NHS, shows that many trusts put short term costs, before the long-term protection of staff health. The survey also revealed that UNISON is the driving force behind promoting safer needles in the NHS, with 56% saying that the union initiated the move towards their use.

Jim Devine, Scottish Organiser (Health) said: "It was encouraging to see that 68% of those questioned said that their employers were trailing, evaluating and in a few cases using safer needles. If some employers are using them, what is stopping others? Sadly the answer seems to be that many employers focus on the short term cost implications, rather than looking at the long term health of their staff. However any cost savings can be very short lived when the costs of testing staff, lost work time, personal injury claims and other medical costs are added up.

"Needlestick injuries are very distressing and unfortunately still far too common in the NHS - over 100,000 estimated in the UK each year. At their worst these injuries transmit fatal viruses including Hepatitis B and C, which result in liver diseases, as well as HIV, which in turn leads to AIDS. Injured health workers and their families, go through hell waiting for the results of tests to come through and for the really unlucky ones, they face a lifetime of misery and ill-health.

"UNISON wants a ban on the use of old-fashioned unsafe needles and the introduction nation-wide of 'safer needles' such as those that are retractable or with protective shields. The difference in cost is pennies and the difference to health workers' lives and peace of mind is immeasurable."

Over half the comments received by UNISON in the survey concerned costs, the following are typical:

convince them to spend more to reduce incidents (acute and Community Trust, Southern)

Safer needle devices have safety features (engineering controls) built into the product which prevent needlestick injuries. The term "safer needle device" is broad and includes many different types of devices, from those that have a protective shield over the needle to those that do not use needles at all. The common feature of effective safer needle devices is that they reduce the risk of needlestick injuries for healthcare workers over the conventional, inherently dangerous older needles. There are also other devices which prevent injury from other sharps, such as safety lancets and safety surgical blades.

The US Federal Drugs Agency has suggested that needles with safety features designed to protect healthcare workers should:

For further information contact Jim Devine, Scottish Organiser: 0141-332-0006

Scotland’s largest healthcare union, UNISON is today calling for a debate on the relationship between MSPs, the Scottish Parliament and National Health Service staff.

Announcing today a major conference on the subject of Senior Managers and the Scottish Parliament which will be held in Edinburgh on 8^th November 2001, Jim Devine, Scottish Organiser (Health) said: "UNISON were at the forefront of the campaign to establish a Scottish Parliament. Many of our activists and Officers can be proud of the part that they played in the long struggle to establish that august body. While it was a long wait it has been worth it.

"UNISON knew that increased accountability and scrutiny would be a feature of the new Scotland, but we are concerned that some trends are developing that could fracture the spirit of good will that exists amongst many NHS staff for the Parliament.

"More questions are asked on health than on any other issue in the Scottish Parliament. For each of these questions asked time has to be taken out by medical, nursing and administrative staff to research the issue and provide a proper response to the matter that has been raised. We know of one case where five questions were asked by an MSP that took three days to research only for those questions to be ‘binned’ by the individual involved because the public debate had moved on.

"MSPs, by their actions and statements, directly impact on the morale of NHS staff. At a recent hearing of the Audit Committee, the Chairman, confronted by NHS managers, opened the proceedings by saying ‘which one of you is to blame for the financial mess’.

"While UNISON would not interfere with the democratic process, nearly three years into its existence there needs to be a debate on the relationship between the Parliament MSPs and NHS staff. Issues that none of us, who were supporters of a Scottish Parliament, could have anticipated or thought through, are now becoming areas of concern for many NHS staff.

"We believe that this is an appropriate time to initiate that debate and that is why we are holding this Conference on 8 November 2001, in Edinburgh. We have invited Senior Managers, NHS staff from throughout Scotland and prominent MSPs, including the Health Spokespersons of all the major opposition parties. We have also invited Dennis Canavan, Tommy Sheridan and Robin Harper to what we hope will be a worthwhile Conference."

Public services only positive when publicly provided
UNISONScotland response to Prime Ministers speech

Matt Smith, Scottish Secretary of UNISON, Scotland's public service union today responded to the Prime Minister's speech, saying that the union would continue its campaign He said “Scots have a strong view that public services should be delivered by public authorities and not by the private sector. Whilst we note, and support the Prime Minister's aim to reform public services, we will be continuing our Positively Public campaign and promoting our policy to Scotland's decision-makers, trying to ensure that Scottish reforms reflect the views expressed by the Scottish people. "

Further Information
Matt Smith, Scottish Secretary Tel 0141-332 0006 matt.smith@unison.co.uk
Chris Bartter Communications Officer 0771 558 3729 c.bartter@unison.co.uk

"INCREASED WORKLOAD AND STRESS CAUSED BY REALITY GAP IN NURSES PAY" - SAYS UNISON

The gap between government claims and what nurses believe is actually happening is thrown into sharp focus today, in a new report by UNISON, as part of its evidence to the pay Review Body for Nursing Staff, Midwives and Health Visitors. "Progress Depends on Pay," The independent research organisation, TURA, compiled the report from a survey of 3,500 UNISON nursing and midwifery members. The research shows that :

84% say their workload has increased. 6 in 10 say this increase was caused by recruitment problems, while nearly one in three say it has been caused by pressure to meet government targets.

Over half (52%) say they have seriously considered leaving the NHS because they feel undervalued (84%) and because of pay (59%).

Over 1 in 4 (27%), compared to only 16% last year, say their trusts are recruiting from overseas in order to alleviate shortages.

"Pay is crucial for government plans to modernise the NHS. You can’t run a world class health service on the cheap. And you can’t deliver expert patient care when staff are under stress and demoralised.

"This survey shows that there is a reality gap between government claims and what nurses believe is actually happening. The reality is that nurses pay is not attracting recruits in sufficient numbers, leading to decreased staffing levels and frequent staff shortages. The NHS is heavily dependent on temporary and agency staff to keep it going. Increasingly many trusts are looking overseas for nurses, but these short term, quick fix solutions do not solve the underlying problem.

"Urgent action is needed to boost recruitment, which is why UNISON are calling for a significant overall increase for all staff."

The removal of the "under age 18" and the bottom two points of Grade A. This would mean a Grade A nurses would start at current salary point £10,015, plus whatever the Review Body recommends as the percentage increase

Increase the levels of stand by and on-call payments plus all the other leads and allowances.

UNISON intend to use this evidence at the Nursing Summit that has been organised by the Health Minister, Susan Deacon, on 19 November 2001.

For further information contact Jim Devine, Scottish Organiser: 0141-332-0006

Health strike threat averted as telephonists get regrading

Around 23 telephonists working for Argyll and Clyde Acute NHS Trust in three Scottish Hospitals have withdrawn their threat of strike action following a grading agreement that will leave them some of the best paid telephonists in the Scottish Health Service. Willie Duffy, UNISON's regional officer said

"UNISON is pleased to see that sense has prevailed, and that telephonists across Argyll & Clyde are finally being treated equally. It is a pity it required a threat of Industrial Action to resolve it, but it goes to show that solidarity and collective action can bring a result"

The staff, who work in the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, the Vale of Leven Hospital in Alexandria and the Lorne and the Isles Hospital in Oban, are currently paid as ancillary workers. As a result of the regrading they will be paid as adminstrative and clerical workers (grade 3) - an increase of between 76p and £1.88 per hour. They will also have their working hours reduced by 2 hours per week. The pay rise will be backdated to 1April.

The amalgamation of trusts in 1999 meant that different hospitals in the same trust paid different rates for the same job. After trying to resolve this UNISON lodged a grievance a year ago. The telephonists successful action ballot of last week has now forced this agreement, that means all telephonists working for the Trust will be paid on the same grade and get the same conditions.

Willie Duffy, (Regional Oficer) 0141-332 0006(w)
Chris Bartter (UNISON Communications Officer) 0141-332 0006(w)

The public service union, UNISON, is set to help hundreds of nurses back to work by challenging the conditions under which nurses are re-employed after a career break. Large numbers of trained nurses returning to nursing are commonly required to pay for their own re-training and then forced to work without pay for a number of weeks. UNISON Scotland states that this amounts to slavery and they will challenge this practice at the Employment Tribunal.

The Scottish Parliament recently debated the need to value nursing and the importance of improved working conditions in the NHS. It was highlighted in the debate that poor employment conditions for nurses have led to hospitals being unable to recruit and retain the staff they need. A key goal in UNISON’s campaign is the removal of the financial obstacle that prevents experienced nurses from returning to the NHS after career breaks.

Bridget Hunter, UNISON Scotland’s Lead Officer For Nursing, said at a meeting of nurses today:

"Scotland needs to tackle the outdated conditions in which nurses are forced to work if we are to truly attract nurses back to the service. Career breaks are common across the Scottish labour market and nurses are no different from other workers in taking time out from their career for family or personal reasons. We have over 10,000 trained nurses currently out of the service and yet in the last year nurse vacancies have risen by 48%. We will never be successful at enticing them back if we expect them to pay for refresher courses and work without pay for a number of weeks before being allowed to return. This amounts to slavery and is daft, but the law makes it legal and UNISON intends to eradicate this practice with immediate legal action".

Scotland’s largest healthcare union, UNISON has today advised Scotland’s 64,000 nurses to get politically involved and have proposed that National Health Service staff training should include a placement at the Scottish Parliament.

Speaking at a Political Leadership Workshop for Nurses at South Glasgow Hospitals, Jim Devine, Scottish Organiser (Health) said "Nurses are the largest group of staff employed by the Scottish Parliament and their pay accounts for £1 in every £7 spent by that august body. More questions are asked on matters directly relating to nursing in the Scottish Parliament than on any other issue. However, the only professional group not represented in the Scottish Parliament is nurses.

"Why? UNISON believes that far too few nursing staff are involved in politics. We congratulate South Glasgow Trust for organising a conference on this topic, which we believe is the first of its kind not just in Scotland but in Britain. For far too long, nurses have stood back and allowed other people to make decisions that directly affect them. But this has got to change.

"Regardless of which union a nurse may belong to, a common political training programme should be promoted. Student nurse training should include a three month placement in the Scottish Parliament. Nurse managers should be seconded to the NHS Civil Service for a year and NHS civil servants should be seconded to the service for a similar period of time. Attendance at the Scottish Health Committee and the Scottish Parliament for at least 28 days should be mandatory before anyone can be promoted to a charge nurse or ward sister post.

"The decisions taken in the Scottish Parliament impact on every aspect of a nurses job. It is time that nurses involved themselves in the decision making process."

For further information
contact Jim Devine, Scottish Organiser: 0141-332-0006 or 07719-369-87

This is an extract from a speech that Jim Devine is making at the Political Leadership Workshop at the Walton Suite, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow at 10am, on Friday 28^th September 2001.

Scotland’s largest Nursing Union, UNISON, today called on the Scottish Executive to treat Scotland’s 64,000 nurses in the same manner that they are treating Scotland’s teachers and police.

Speaking at a meeting of nurses in Glasgow today, Bridget Hunter, UNISON Lead Officer for nurses in Scotland, said:

"We congratulate the Scottish Executive for rewarding Scotland’s teachers with their well-deserved pay rise. We have no doubt that this strategy of investing in our children’s future will bear fruit. The last Conservative government had similar recruitment and retention problems with the police as we have today with nurses and their solution was to adequately reward police.

Today, a 19 year old starting with the police force after a 31 week probationary period receives a salary of £19,842. This is £85 per week more than a newly qualified graduate nurse. One would have to be a third year junior sister with an average of 8 years experience before they would earn this level of pay. Nurses have to pay the same price for their basic needs as teachers and police in Scotland. If Scottish society values the contribution of nurses then this must be reflected in similar rewards to those given to their colleagues in the police and teaching professions. Only then will we start to tackle the problems of recruitment and retention."

Jury Still Out on Water Industry Bill

UNISON, the largest trade union in the Scottish water industry, today greeted the publication of the Water Industry Bill with considerable reservations. The Executive have so far failed to explain how Scottish Water will address the key challenges facing the industry:

"Scottish Water may be established as a public body. However, there is real concern that it will be a public façade for a largely privatised industry. We will want to see real safeguards in the Bill to stop the gradual privatisation of Scotland’s water"

The trade unions will study closely the staffing provisions of the bill - something that has been sadly missing from the draft proposals. They will also press for a sound financial structure for the new body, including debt write off. Creating a level playing field with the English water companies, which benefited from similar arrangements at privatisation.

UNISON Scotland, Scotland's healthcare union hit back at the North Glasgow Hospitals Trust who have sent an open letter to their medical secretaries yesterday, threatening various forms of action if they continue their campaign of Industrial Action.

In a strongly worded letter to Alan Boyter - the Trust Director of Human Resources - Anne Middleton, UNISON's Assistant Scottish Secretary accuses the Trust of 'Dealing out threats and intimidating a large group of female low-paid staff'. Anne also says

"It would have been more constructive had you or the Trust Board put your efforts into meeting with the local Branch Officers to resolve the dispute instead of issuing threats and ultimatums to your staff."

UNISON also point out that during the dispute the union has always informed the Trust of their strategy and participated in providing an Emergency Cover agreement. Anne also goes on to give the union's full support should any member be disciplined.

"Should the Trust decide to suspend any members who participate in this dispute." Anne says "Or take any other action against our members then UNISON will have no other option but to protect and support our members further."

The Medical Secretaries are in a third wave of strike action in a campaign to win a regrading. UNISON is clear that the issuing of threats by the Trust is likely to backfire on them, serving to galvanise an already determined group of staff.

Further Information
Anne Middleton (Assistant Scottish Secretary) 0141-332 0006(w)
Joe Lynch (Regional Officer--UNISON) 0141-332 0006(w)
Carolyn Leckie (Nth Glasgow Br Sec) 0141-211 4984(w)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer-UNISON) 0141-332 0006(w)

Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish Secretary, today challenged the First Minister to work with trade unions and other stakeholders in public services, to work together to deliver better Scottish public services.

Speaking at a conference in Edinburgh also addressed by Henry McLeish MSP, Matt called for the pressures to use the private sector to be reversed, and instead for joint working to take place to deliver improvements in public services. He said,

" We in UNISON know that our public services are desperately under strength. We agree with the Scottish government that they should deliver social justice, that teamwork is vital in their delivery and that they should improve people's lives. We want to build on those agreements and work together to deliver the improvements that are needed. We call on the Scottish Government to sit down with us and seriously work together to deliver our joint aims."

UNISON, most of whose 150,000 Scottish members deliver the public services referred to, is clear however that the use of Private Public Partnerships(PPP's) and PFI schemes work against the aims that the government want to achieve.

"Using projects where the aim is financial profit will not deliver social justice, " said Matt Smith. " Having public service providers working for different contractors breaks up teamworking, and as we are seeing in projects all across the UK, the service provided by the private sector is not what is needed to improve people's lives.

UNISON is currently running a major campaign called Positively Public to stress the need for public services to be delivered by publicly accountable authorities. This said Matt is why the Scottish Parliament was set up.

"Our Parliament was created so that Scotland could continue to defend and advance its public services." He said, "We all agree that it and they should be accountable, accessible and best value. The private sector can't deliver that.Our Parliament will be judged on its delivery of public services."

For Further Information Please Contact:
Matt Smith (Scottish Secretary) 0141-332 0006(w)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0141-332 0006(w) Mob 0771 558 3729

UNISON the UK's largest union, will be holding a Press Conference before its UK-wide housing semkinar, in Glasgow. This will explain UNISON's role and detail next steps in the Scottish trade union campaign against the proposals for Housing Stock Transfer being proposed for Glasgow City Council and other councils.

Present will be Malcolm Wing National Secretary of UNISON's Local Government Group and Bill Speirs, General Secretary, STUC. Mr Speirs will outline the next steps in the unions' Scottish campaign against whole stock transfer and Mr Wing will concentrate on the various moves to take housing out of Local Government across the UK.

The Press Conference will be held on Wednesday 19 September at 10.00 in the Glasgow City Centre Posthouse Hotel, Bothwell Street, Glasgow.

ENDS

You are invited to be represented
Please contact those below for further information.

For Further Information Please Contact:
Bill Speirs(General Secretary STUC) 0141-337 8100(w)
Colin Meech (Policy Officer UNISON )
Chris Bartter(Communications Officer UNISON)0141-332 0006(w)

UNISON, one of the unions representing the staff in the Scottish Qualifications Authority reacted to the Minister of Education's statement coolly.

Matt McLaughlin, Regional Officer for UNISON members in the SQA said
"The idea of some kind of advisory committee is not a bad idea, but we notice there appears to be no place on this body for staff representatives. As they are the closest to the workings of the agency and see the first sign of what is going wrong we think it would be both fair and effective to include representatives of the staff on this body."

SQA staff have already put forward their concerns regarding the way the agency is run to the Education Committee of the Scottish Parliament earlier this year.

ENDS

For Further Information Please Contact:
Matt McLaughlin (Regional Officer) 0141-332 0006(w)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0141-332 0006(w)

At the launch of their Violence at Work Guidelines, Scotland’s largest union UNISON have called on the Scottish Executive to extend the "Guardian Angel" protection sch

Press Release Archive 2001

UNISON calls for Glasgow housing funding details to be disclosed

Nursery staff warn of increased campaign

Partnership Learning Fund gives staff IT start

Private beds won't tackle NHS waiting lists

Public services central to success of Scottish Government

UNISON ballots SEPA staff on attempt to cut wages

UNISON takes 'positively public' argument direct to government

UNISON Annual Nursing Conference advises nurses to raise concerns about staffing levels

UNISON condemns Lothian nursing cuts

Environment watchdog staff claim wages 'unlawfully withheld'

UNISON campaign steps up a gear with 'Positively Public' cinema ad

UNISON calls for real modernisation and partnership to make services Positively Public

Danger of two-tier Freedom of Information regime

"Health Visitors Cuts Undermine Healthy Scotland Strategy" Warns UNISON

"End Blame Culture in NHS" says UNISON

British Energy Generation - Pay 2001
Industrial Action looms

"Private Sector in National Health Service Immoral and Impractical" say UNISON

UNISON NORTH GLASGOW HOSPITALS BRANCH
Medical Secretaries’ Strike Suspended- Improved Deal Won!

“Time to participate fully in the NHS family” UNISON call to BMA

Public services only positive when publicly provided
UNISONScotland response to Prime Ministers speech

"INCREASED WORKLOAD AND STRESS CAUSED BY REALITY GAP IN NURSES PAY" - SAYS UNISON

Health strike threat averted as telephonists get regrading

Jury Still Out on Water Industry Bill

Press Release Archive 2001

UNISON calls for Glasgow housing funding details to be disclosed

Nursery staff warn of increased campaign

Partnership Learning Fund gives staff IT start

Private beds won't tackle NHS waiting lists

Public services central to success of Scottish Government

UNISON ballots SEPA staff on attempt to cut wages

UNISON takes 'positively public' argument direct to government

UNISON Annual Nursing Conference advises nurses to raise concerns about staffing levels

UNISON condemns Lothian nursing cuts

Environment watchdog staff claim wages 'unlawfully withheld'

UNISON campaign steps up a gear with 'Positively Public' cinema ad

UNISON calls for real modernisation and partnership to make services Positively Public

Danger of two-tier Freedom of Information regime

"Health Visitors Cuts Undermine Healthy Scotland Strategy" Warns UNISON

"End Blame Culture in NHS" says UNISON

British Energy Generation - Pay 2001 Industrial Action looms

"Private Sector in National Health Service Immoral and Impractical" say UNISON

UNISON NORTH GLASGOW HOSPITALS BRANCH Medical Secretaries’ Strike Suspended- Improved Deal Won!

“Time to participate fully in the NHS family” UNISON call to BMA

Public services only positive when publicly provided UNISONScotland response to Prime Ministers speech

"INCREASED WORKLOAD AND STRESS CAUSED BY REALITY GAP IN NURSES PAY" - SAYS UNISON

Health strike threat averted as telephonists get regrading

Jury Still Out on Water Industry Bill

British Energy Generation - Pay 2001
Industrial Action looms

UNISON NORTH GLASGOW HOSPITALS BRANCH
Medical Secretaries’ Strike Suspended- Improved Deal Won!

Public services only positive when publicly provided
UNISONScotland response to Prime Ministers speech