Supporting Scotland’s Social Work Services Workforce: UNISON is by far the largest union representing most Social Work and Social Care staff in Scotland. We represent Social Workers in all specialisms, residential workers, social care workers, OTs, home care staff and professional, admin and clerical support staff. We have a Social Work Issues Group (SWIG) with reps from branches across Scotland, specifically addressing Social Work issues. See also important information for workers registered with regulatory bodies.
News and updates
UNISON Week 343 – NHS and social care in crisis and more
UNISON Week 343 - NHS and social care in crisisand more ... Read full newsletter here ... Read More
UNISON assembles ‘coalition of concern’ over National Care Service legislation
Public services union UNISON is today (TUES) bringing together a wide coalition of organisations who have concerns about the impact ... Read More
UNISON comment on Social Work Scotland’s report: Setting the Bar
UNISON, Scotland’s largest social work union, has welcomed the latest report from Social Work Scotland published today (Wednesday) but says ... Read More
UNISON Week 338: Let’s be “sensible” about pay, four day week pilot disappointment & more
UNISON Week 338: Let's be "sensible" about pay, four day week pilot disappointment & more. Read full newsletter here ... Read More
UNISON Week-336 – now it’s time to defend councils, care workers travel, university strikes and more.
UNISON Week-336 - now it's time to defend councils, care workers travel, university strikes and more. Read full newsletter here ... Read More
Public funding must be contingent on union recognition
#STUC22 The Fair Work demand for effective voice for workers, so lauded by the Scottish Government, was spotlighted again in ... Read More
Social Work publications
Briefing 168 – Population challenges for public services and the economy
This briefing looks at the implications of current and projected demographic change. It summarises recent publications from the Improvement Service ... Read More
Financial Transparency & Profit Limitation in Children’s Residential Care Response
The Scottish Government is consulting on proposals for financial transparency and profit limitation in children's residential care. These are part ... Read More
Briefing 166 – Anti-racism Action Plan for Social Work
The Scottish Government published an Anti-racism Action Plan for the Scottish Social Work Sector in August 2025. The Action Plan ... Read More
Children (Care, Care Experience & Service Planning) (Scotland) Bill response
A Children’s Bill was introduced to Parliament on 17 June 2025. The Bill aims to reform the care system for ... Read More
Briefing 160 – Children (Care, Care Experience & Services Planning) Bill: Call for Views
The Government has decided that some reforms recommended by the Independent Care Review for children & young people require legislation ... Read More
Briefing 158 – Care Reform (Scotland) Bill passes
On 10 June, the Care Reform (Scotland) Bill was passed. This briefing gives an overview of its provisions. The Act ... Read More
Briefing 157 – Care Management: Fit for purpose?
Care Management is the process for assessing individuals’ needs for social care services. It is integral to the social care ... Read More
Briefing 152 – National Social Work Agency Update: March 2025
Plans are going ahead to create a National Social Work Agency (NSWA) as part of the Care Reform (Scotland) Bill, ... Read More
e-brief – Insourcing of Adult Residential and Home Care
This briefing provides recent examples of where, how and why adult social care services have been returned in-house ('insourced') to ... Read More
e-brief – Overview of Adult Social Care in Scotland
This briefing summarises the most recent national data about adult residential care and home care in Scotland. It looks at ... Read More