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
Bargaining Briefing 134 – Regrading Hints & Tips for Social Work Paraprofessionals
This briefing produce by UNISON's Social Work Issues Group provides Social Work Assistants, Family Support Workers and other paraprofessional staff ... Read More
Towards a REAL National Care Service – Summary Report
This is the Summary of a report commissioned by UNISON Scotland from APSE, the Association for Public Service Excellence and ... 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
e brief – Update on the National Care Service Bill October 2023
Since its introduction in June 2022, UNISON has campaigned for the National Care Service Bill to be withdrawn. We want ... Read More
e brief – SSSC Consultation on Proposed Register Changes
The Scottish Social Services Council is consulting on 3 changes it wishes to make to the Register. These changes affect ... Read More
Briefing 131 – Consultation on Safe Staffing Statutory Guidance: Care Services
The Scottish Government is consulting on its draft Statutory Guidance for safe staffing in health and care. The Health and ... Read More
Winter preparedness – response to Health, Social Care & Sport Committee
This is UNISON Scotland's response to the Scottish Parliament's Health, Social Care and Sport Committee’s call for evidence[1] for the ... Read More
Survey Report on Social Work Paraprofessionals
Our survey confirms that social work paraprofessionals are increasingly carrying out the roles of qualified social workers but without the ... Read More
Briefing 126 – Local Government Overview Report 2023
This briefing is on the May 2023 Audit Scotland Local Government Overview report for the Accounts Commission. The report looks ... Read More
Briefing 125 – Occupational Therapists and a National Social Work Agency
This briefing is about the intended remit of the proposed National Social Work Agency. This remit includes workforce matters and ... Read More