UNISON Scotland’s recent staff shortage survey results indicated that existing staff were in real danger of burnout with 97% of respondents stating that their workplace was currently experiencing a shortage of staff and 90% confirming that they were concerned about the safety of colleagues and service users.
Even more alarming was that 35% of respondents were considering leaving or actively trying to leave the sector in the coming months and a further 53% told UNISON that they urgently need some time off.
With this in mind it is clear that we need quick measures that will attract new people into the sector but also demonstrate to existing staff that they are valued at work.
UNISON’s Campaign has five key demands: (See here for our Social Care Campaign FAQs)1. A £2,000 welcome payment to all those applying to jobs in the sector.
2. A £2,000 loyalty payment to all those currently working in the sector.
3. To negotiate with UNISON on introducing a sector wide Unsocial Hours allowance.
4. To negotiate with UNISON on introducing a sector wide Night Shift allowance.
5. Payment of all professional registration fees for staff working in social care.
Care about Social Care? Support the UNISON Scotland Campaign to Solve the Staffing Crisis – Email your MSP Now!
(For third/private sector social care workers or members of the public – for more information on local government and NHS, and our campaign, click for our FAQs below)
Send an automatically generated letter addressed to each of the MSPs in your area. You can add your own words to the letter if you wish by typing directly into the box where the letter text appears. Simply click on the buttons below whether you are a member of the public supporting the campaign or a social care member, complete the form with a few of your details, read the letter addressed to each of the MSPs in your area and send! You can also share the link at the end on social media to get your family and friends involved. 
Sign the Petition
If you haven’t already sign and share our petition calling on the Scottish Government to solve the social care staffing crisis. https://www.megaphone.org.uk/petitions/solve-the-staffing-crisis-in-social-care
Social Care Campaign FAQs
Q1. I’m a Local Government Social Care worker, why doesn’t this include me?
A1. Local Government is UNISON Scotland’s biggest service group, and they have their own bargaining mechanisms for pay, terms and conditions.
On 18th January 2022 UNISON Scotland, alongside other trade unions, submitted a pay claim to the COSLA as follows:
• A £3,000 flat rate increase to all spinal column points (based on a 35 hr working week). • A minimum hourly rate of £12 per hour.
• All allowances to be automatically uprated in line with October inflation rates. • Payment of all professional fees incurred by members in the course of their employment. • A no-detriment reduction in the working week to 35 hours.
• Agreement of home/hybrid working guidance. • A Job evaluation review of all roles that have changed during the pandemic.
• No less than parity with other local government bargaining groups. • Fair funding for local government to protect jobs and services.
More information can be found here:
https://unison-scotland.org/local-government-unions-call-for-a-fair-and-decent-pay-increase-as-they-submit-joint-pay-claim/
https://unison-scotland.org/service-groups-and-sectors/local-government/
Q2. I’m an NHS Social Care worker, why doesn’t this include me?
A2. Health workers in the NHS and NHS contractors have their own bargaining mechanisms for pay, terms and conditions.
The 2022/23 NHS pay claim from UNISON Scotland has been drafted and is being finalised and agreed. Please contact your local branch for details https://unison-scotland.org/about-us/branch-finder/
More information can be found here:
https://unison-scotland.org/service-groups-and-sectors/health/
Q3. Where can I find out more about UNISON Scotland’s Social Care Campaigns?
A3. We have information on our website and Facebook pages. You can also get in touch with your local Unison Branch or representatives for more information.
https://unison-scotland.org/social-work/
https://unison-scotland.org/campaigns/scotlands-care-workers-for-change/
https://unison-scotland.org/feeley-report-into-adult-social-care/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/unisonscotsocialcare
https://www.facebook.com/unisonscot/
Q4. What prompted the demands that are in the letter?
A4. UNISON Scotland’s staff shortage survey results indicated that existing staff were in real danger of burnout with 97% of respondents stating that their workplace was currently experiencing a shortage of staff and 90% confirming that they were concerned about the safety of colleagues and service users.
Even more alarming was that 35% of respondents were considering leaving or actively trying to leave the sector in the coming months and a further 53% told UNISON that they urgently need some time off.
With this in mind it is clear that we need quick measures that will attract new people into the sector but also demonstrate to existing staff that they are valued at work.
New staff makes existing staff’s jobs less stressful, keeping more staff at work. Allowances for weekend/night work and the loyalty payment gives our social care workforce the respect they deserve for going above and beyond on a daily basis.
Q5. How can I get more involved in the campaign?
A5. First of all, click on the template letter that applies to you (Third/Private Sector social care worker or member of the public) and send it off. Then, share the links with your colleagues/friends/family. You can follow our campaign updates by joining the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/unisonscotsocialcare or by checking our website at https://unison-scotland.org/campaigns/scotlands-care-workers-for-change/
You should also consider becoming a UNISON steward; it’s rewarding, and full training is provided. Be part of the change that is needed in your workplace and across the country! Contact l.regan@unison.co.uk for more information with no commitment.
< Care Workers for Change