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 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
Briefing 150 – NCS Bill Update: National Care Service abandoned
The Government has finally abandoned its plans to create a National Care Service (NCS). This was confirmed to Parliament on ... Read More
Future of Foster Care Response
The Government is consulting on its plans for the Future of Foster Care. This is part of the implementation of ... Read More
Charter of demands to end the crisis in Social Work
This Charter of Demands was launched at UNISON's Social Work Conference on 24 October 2024. Developed by social work members ... Read More
Care Management: Fit for Purpose?
This report reveals a Care Management system that is on its knees, with decisions about care being driven by budgets, ... Read More