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
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 staff call on Scottish Government to ‘keep the promise’ to children, says UNISON
Social work staff are struggling to deliver the services that children and families need due to understaffing, underfunding and a ... Read More
UNISON Week 324 – Greening public services, local govt pay ballot – care workers petition & more
UNISON Week 324 - Greening public services, local govt pay ballot - care workers petition & more. Read full newsletter ... Read More
‘Golden hello’s and loyalty payments needed for social care staff’ union to tell Holyrood..
Staff shortages in social care at ‘critical level’ union to tell Holyrood committee. Staff shortages have left the social care ... Read More
Social Work publications
Briefing 141 – National Care Service Bill Update
The General Principles of the National Care Service Bill were approved by Parliament on 29 February. This briefing summarises where ... Read More
Briefing 140 – National Social Work Agency Update
This briefing sets out the current proposals for a National Social Work Agency. These plans are still under discussion and ... Read More
Briefing 139 – National Care Service: Revised Government Plans
The Scottish Government has radically revised its plans for a National Care Service. This follows negotiations with COSLA and the ... Read More
Bargaining Briefing 135 – 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