Staff in Scotland’s Leisure Trusts speak out
“…a local authority shall ensure that there is adequate provision of facilities for the inhabitants of their area for recreational, sporting, cultural and social activities” is the duty placed on councils by the Local Government and Planning (Scotland) Act 1982. Although culture and leisure services are amongst the most visible and high profile of services associated with local authorities they are seldom these days delivered directly by councils. Almost everywhere these are delivered directly but through Arms Length Organisations (ALEO’s ) and specifically leisure trusts.
UNISON Scotland has surveyed our members working in leisure trusts about their experience of delivering culture and leisure services in this ‘age of austerity’. Asking how this has impacted on their working lives and the services they deliver .
The picture painted is one in which a shrinking workforce are under increasing pressure. This while delivering highly valued services which contribute massively to the public good
https://unison-scotland.org/wp-content/uploads/WhileWeWorkYouPlay_LeisureStaffSurvey_June2015.pdf