Local Government

Local goverment serves the peopleLocal Government is UNISON Scotland’s biggest service group. Its remit covers a range of employees including those of all of Scotland’s councils, Direct Labour and Direct Service Organisations, Trusts, Joint Boards, voluntary and related organisations and private companies.

For information on our pay campaign, industrial action and ballot – got to our campaigns page

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Latest updates

eBrief – Public sector reform: our response

UNISON has serious concerns about the government’s chosen approach to public sector reform.  These are set out in this briefing ... Read More

Local government pension scheme reform – a single fund is a driver for growth

The Scottish government’s public sector reform agenda is a cuts agenda. Instead of pursuing a jobs and service reduction model ... Read More

MSP briefing – urgent questions needing answers about public sector reform

The government has announced major structural reform of the public sector, the largest since devolution, but with very few details ... Read More

UNISON secures major improvements on pay and grading at Glasgow City Council

UNISON has secured significant new protections for Glasgow City Council workers following intensive negotiations involving the council and Scottish government, ... Read More

UNISON are standing firm on delivering movement on pay and fighting for all Glasgow workers

UNISON will continue talks with the Scottish government and Glasgow City Council today (Friday). The union say they are determined ... Read More

Council pause on fire and rehire and further talks on equal pay are welcome

UNISON has welcomed Glasgow City Council’s decision to pause its plans for fire and rehire, allowing further talks with trade ... Read More

Local government reform must put workers’ voices at the centre

Joint statement from UNISON Scotland's convenor Mark Ferguson and local government committee chair Susanne Gens:  We are aware of the ... Read More

UNISON response to Scottish government announcement on local government reform

Commenting on the Scottish government's public service reform proposals for local government, UNISON Scotland’s convenor Mark Ferguson said: "The Scottish ... Read More

Public Service Reform Committee: Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2027/28

The Public Service Reform Committee's pre-budget scrutiny inquiry looks at how the 2027/28 budget can support public service reform. This ... Read More

Briefing 174 Public Service Reform Update

Public Service Reform (PSR) is the central mission of the newly elected SNP minority government, with the cabinet secretary in ... Read More

More Local Government News

Latest local government briefings

eBrief – Public sector reform: our response

thumbnail of e-Brief – Approach to public service reform
UNISON has serious concerns about the government’s chosen approach to public sector reform.  These are set out in this briefing ...

Local government pension scheme reform – a single fund is a driver for growth

thumbnail of eBrief Pensions 6 Oct 2026
The Scottish government’s public sector reform agenda is a cuts agenda. Instead of pursuing a jobs and service reduction model ...

MSP briefing – urgent questions needing answers about public sector reform

thumbnail of Final UNISON MSP Briefing October 2026
The government has announced major structural reform of the public sector, the largest since devolution, but with very few details ...

Briefing 174 Public Service Reform Update

thumbnail of Final Briefing 174 Public Service Reform Update 2026
Public Service Reform (PSR) is the central mission of the newly elected SNP minority government, with the cabinet secretary in ...

More on briefings page

Latest responses and submissions

Public Service Reform Committee: Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2027/28

thumbnail of Final PSR Response Aug 2026 web
The Public Service Reform Committee's pre-budget scrutiny inquiry looks at how the 2027/28 budget can support public service reform. This ...

Future of Foster Care Response

thumbnail of FINAL UNISON Foster Care Consultation_Feb 2025
The Government is consulting on its plans for the Future of Foster Care. This is part of the implementation of ...

National Care Service Bill (Stage 2) Draft Amendments: Call for Views

thumbnail of FINAL UNISON NCS Bill Draft Amendments_Sept 2024
On 24 June the Scottish Government belatedly published its draft amendments to the National Care Service (Scotland) bill. This is ...

Housing (Scotland) Bill response

thumbnail of Final UNISON Housing Bill May 2024
The Housing (Scotland) Bill was introduced to Parliament on 26 March 2024.  The bill has six main parts which include ...

More on responses page