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
Workers’ voice fundamental to Fair Work and equality
#STUC22 heard about the vital role Fair Work could play in delivering equality and justice in the workplace and will ... Read More
Urgent investment needed in NHS and social care
#STUC22 Congress heard that the COVID-19 pandemic has ruthlessly exposed the many deep and underlying problems in our economy. These ... Read More
The National Care Service must put people before profit
#STUC22 Serious concerns about the proposals for the National Care Service in Scotland were highlighted at STUC Congress as delegates ... Read More
Action on equal pay essential for women’s lives
#STUC22 Glasgow’s equal pay campaign was spotlighted at STUC Congress in a motion from Glasgow Trades Union Council that congratulated ... Read More
UNISON Week 330 – Protest the cost of living crisis, SiU, winter fuel grant & more
UNISON Week 330 - Protest the cost of living crisis, SiU, winter fuel grant & more. Read full newsletter here ... Read More
UNISON WEEK 325 – Keep The Promise & more
UNISON WEEK 325 - Keep The Promise & more ... Read our full newsletter here ... Read More
Social Work publications
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Since its introduction in June 2022, UNISON has campaigned for the National Care Service Bill to be withdrawn.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
Briefing 124 – A National Social Work Agency
The Scottish Government proposes to create a National Social Work Agency. It would sit within government as part of a ... Read More