Commenting on the publication of the Withers Review into skills development today by minister for higher and further education Graeme Dey MSP (Wednesday), UNISON Scotland regional organiser Emma Phillips said:
“This is a deeply worrying time for everyone who works at Skills Development Scotland – and for the young people and adult learners they serve. The minister confirms there will be wide-ranging impacts, not least for the bodies and people working in them.
“The truth is all 1,600 staff will be affected by this change. They’ll be moved, restructured or made redundant. There are potential job losses with possible mergers of Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Funding Council and Student Awards Agency Scotland, and jobs will change considerably.
“UNISON will be calling for a meeting with the minister to discuss his plans as soon as possible. Of course, the union will work constructively to reform the skills landscape, but any change must be in the interest of adult learners and young people. This mustn’t be an excuse for cutting jobs, pay and conditions.”
Notes to editors:
– Graeme Dey MSP has confirmed in correspondence with UNISON that change is needed and there will be ‘wide-ranging impacts not least for the bodies and people working in them’. The Scottish government initiated the review in June 2022.
– The Withers Report can be found here
– UNISON is the largest union at Skills Development Scotland.
– UNISON is Scotland’s largest union. Our 150,000 members work across public services – in local government, the NHS, education, skills, police service, energy and water. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
UNISON contacts
Derek Cheyne, UNISON Skills Development Scotland branch secretary: 07876 550814
Emma Phillips, regional organiser: 07841 901890
Danny Phillips: 07717 715277 / 07944 664110