UNISON Scotland regional secretary, Tracey Dalling said: “Nicola Sturgeon is a huge figure in Scottish politics – a constant presence over eight years including leading us through a pandemic. She has made a massive contribution to our country. I wish her all the best in whatever she chooses to do next.
“Scotland’s next First Minister must continue to develop the Scottish government’s constructive relationship with UNISON, that she built. We regularly disagreed but we respected that UNISON could talk through our differences with her and her ministers.
“Her resignation is an opportunity to rethink public services in Scotland. Our next First Minister needs to deal with the NHS staffing crisis and reduce the worst waiting times since devolution, withdraw the National Care Service Bill which will not improve social care, invest in a grown-up relationship with local government and return it to being a key deliverer of public services, close the education gap and invest in public services across Scotland.”
Notes:
UNISON is the Scotland’s largest union. Our 150,000 members work across public services – in local government, the NHS, education, police service, energy and water. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
UNISON media contacts
• Danny Phillips: 07717715277 / 07944 664110
• Trisha Hamilton: 07943 507 307