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
First Minister must intervene in Bield Housing decision to close 12 care homes
Bield Housing and Care, announced yesterday (11 October) that they intend to close 12 care homes in Edinburgh, Falkirk, Glasgow, ... Read More
UNISON comment on UK government’s decision to extend the suspension of social care minimum wage:
UNISON is working hard, with employers across Scotland, to ensure that social care staff’s pay is compliant with the National ... Read More
There is little direct monitoring of home care services by councils, says UNISON
Direct contract monitoring of service users is very limited and very few visits are made to check service users are ... Read More
UNISON slams plans for huge rises in fees for social care staff as a ‘tax on compassion’
UNISON, Scotland’s largest public service union, has hit out after an announcement by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) to ... Read More
North Lanarkshire Council sign UNISON’s Ethical Care Charter
UNISON congratulated North Lanarkshire Council - who have adopted UNISON’s Ethical Care Charter today. This will ensure high standards in ... Read More
North Ayrshire Council sign up to Ethical Care Pledge is great news, say UNISON
North Ayrshire Council has adopted UNISON’s Ethical Care Charter, to ensure the delivery of high standards in homecare and better ... Read More
Social Work publications
Mental Health Strategy 2012 – 2015
UNISON acknowledges the work that the current Scottish Government and previous administrations have undertaken to tackle the challenges that mental ... Read More
Care Integration Comments to Health & Sport Committee
We understand that at present the Government intends to integrate health and social care primarily through legislation to replace Community ... Read More
Inquiry into regulation of care for older people
UNISON Scotland believes a major mistake in the provision care of the elderly was to allow profit to be part ... Read More
Common Core of Skills, Knowledge, Understanding and Values for the Children’s Workforce
UNISON Scotland supports the introduction of a common core in principle. We are, however unclear about what exactly the common ... Read More
Keeping Safe in the Workplace
UNISON Scotland has launched a guide to help social workers stay safe in the workplace. The new guide – Keeping Safe in ... Read More
Care Integration statement
This statement covers UNISON Scotland’s initial response to proposals for the integration of care services in Scotland either through a ... Read More
A Strategy for Self Directed Support
UNISON Scotland is committed to the principle of the right to independent living for all care users. We therefore welcome ... Read More
Social Care Procurement Guidelines
UNISON Scotland welcomes the publication of Guidelines on social care procurement and can support some aspects of them. However, we ... Read More
Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Bill Response
UNISON Scotland wants to commend the consultation process which has taken place in the period since the last Draft Bill ... Read More
Draft Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Bill Response
UNISON Scotland has serious concerns at the effects this Draft Bill would have on our members’ ability to protect children ... Read More