UNISON Scotland, the largest union in social care, has called on First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to rescind contracts awarded to Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) and KPMG that gives them a role in designing a new National Care Service.
In a letter sent today, the trade union claim PwC and KPMG cannot in any sense be described as independent or disinterested given how deep their involvement is with private capital in care homes.
The union have told the first minister of their ‘disappointment and disapproval’ that the Scottish Government is allowing these private management consultancies a role in the design of a National Care Service. UNISON claims both these companies have an international record in promoting market mechanisms in health and care services and, the trade union argues, that constitutes a conflict of interest.
The letter says: “In allowing these rapacious businesses a role the Scottish Government is failing those who need and those who are currently struggling to deliver care. We would request that the Scottish Government rescind these contracts in order that the people of Scotland can have confidence that their National Care Service is being designed by public servants for the public good – not private interests for private gain.”
Lilian Macer, Convener of UNISON Scotland said: “The new National Care Service must make a clean break from using private international capital firms to provide our care services. Price Waterhouse Coopers and KPMG have a track record of promoting private health and social care, this is not what most people in Scotland want.
Care should be delivered in and for the community. It is a public service not a commodity. Big private equity firms have led us to the tragically dysfunctional care system we have now. The values and past record of both these companies, in our view, shows they are not fit and proper companies to be involved in any aspect of setting up a national care service. We urge the first minister to rescind their contracts now.”
Notes
UNISON is the largest trade union for social care workers. We represent workers in the NHS, local government, care, education, police service, utilities and energy.
UNISON Contacts
Danny Phillips, communications officer, 07944 664110
Stephen Low, policy officer, 07956 852822