UNISON is the UK’s largest health union. More than 60,000 UNISON members work in the NHS in Scotland: nurses, student nurses, midwives, health visitors, healthcare assistants, paramedics, occupational therapists, cleaners, porters, catering staff, medical secretaries, clerical and admin staff and scientific and technical staff.
UNISON cares passionately about the future of the NHS as a publicly funded service that is free at the point of delivery. The NHS is a public service we can all be proud of, and UNISON wants to keep it that way.
See also important information for workers registered with regulatory bodies.
Speaking up for Scotland’s health workers
UNISON organisers and activists work together to make sure our members’ concerns are heard – whether it’s about pay, health and safety, discrimination or the future of our NHS.
- Offering advice at work;
- Representing our members in the workplace
- Lobbying parliaments and government on issues our members care about;
- Negotiating terms and conditions for NHS Scotland staff;
- Raising professional and local concerns that affect all health workers.
- Standing up for the NHS and broader health services
Health News
Christina and Lilian in Shetland and Orkney was a ‘brilliant visit’
General secretary Christina McAnea visited Shetland and Orkney, where she was joined by Scottish secretary Lilian Macer Christina and Lilian ... Read More
Delivering net zero for Scotland’s buildings: Heat in Buildings Bill
This is UNISON Scotland's response to the Scottish Government consultation on its proposed Heat in Buildings Bill. We are members ... Read More
Lobby MSPs to support key Bill & help workers with Long Covid
UNISON Scotland’s Welfare Committee is urging members to write to their MSPs backing the important Scottish Employment Injuries Advisory Council ... Read More
Democracy Matters: Local governance Phase 2 consultation
This is UNISON's response to the Scottish Government and COSLA ‘Democracy Matters: Local governance Phase 2 consultation’. The consultation is ... Read More
Resignation of Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Michael Matheson
UNISON Scotland head of health Matt McLaughlin said: “UNISON had a good working relationship Michael and I wish him all ... Read More
Briefing 139 – National Care Service: Revised Government Plans
The Scottish Government has radically revised its plans for a National Care Service. This follows negotiations with COSLA and the ... Read More
Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Scotland Bill
This is our response to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee’s call for views on Gillian Mackay MSP’s Abortion ... Read More
Briefing 136 – The ‘Safe Staffing’ Act in the NHS.
The Health and Care Staffing (Scotland) Act comes into force in April 2024. The Bill gives staff in the NHS ... Read More
New way forward for NHS pay agreed – “Now Scottish Government must deliver” says UNISON
Negotiators for the NHS trade union UNISON have today signed off four papers with NHS bosses making key recommendations to ... Read More
Towards a REAL National Care Service for Scotland – Full Report
With the National Care Service Bill in tatters, this timely report makes a compelling case for the direct public delivery ... Read More
Latest briefings and submissions
National Care Service (Scotland) Bill Stage 1 Scrutiny: UNISON evidence
UNISON has submitted its Evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s call for views on The National Care Service (Scotland) Bill. UNISON ...
Scotland’s public finances, cost of living impact & public service reform
This is UNISON Scotland's response to the Scottish Parliament Finance and Public Administration Committee's Call for Views as part of ...
Briefing 119 – Inflation and inequality
This briefing covers inflation, the differences between ways to measure it, and why it is vital we speak up on ...
UNISON Week 337: unsafe staffing in hospitals, an inadequate Queens Speech, June 18th Demo & more
UNISON Week 337: unsafe staffing in hospitals, an inadequate Queens Speech, June 18th Demo & more. Read full newsletter here ...
UNISON WEEK 332 – NHS Pay Claim Launched, Local Govt pay offer rejected, a new face at UNISON Scotland, and more…
UNISON WEEK 332 - NHS Pay Claim Launched, Local Govt pay offer rejected, a new face at UNISON Scotland, and ...
Care Futures 5 – Minimum Employment Standards
The fifth edition of UNISON Scotland’s Care Futures outlines UNISON's view of the minimum employment standards that care workers should ...
More on briefings page