National Delegate Conference 19-22 June 2007

Scottish fringe raises debate on Asylum children and Direct Payments

Kate Ramsden

Around 80 delegates from across the UK packed into the Scottish Fringe meeting on Sunday evening to hear about the work of our Social Work Issues group. They heard about SWIG's achievements over the years, including the work which has been done on Direct Payments, along with disabled people's organisations; and the campaigning for the rights of asylum seeker families including the guide for members, "child's welfare paramount?"

Stephanie Herd chaired the meeting on behalf of Stephen Smellie, Chair of SWIG. She told delegates how the Social Work Issues Group in Scotland was set up originally in response to the crisis in social work in Scotland.

Stephanie Herd

"Back then there was a real shortage of social work staff, high caseloads and very low morale. Since then we've taken part in the 21st Century review of Social Work to make sure our members concerns were addressed."

She added that SWIG has become a practice based forum which looks at the key practice issues affecting social work staff on a day by day basis.

Kate Ramsden, co-author along with John Stevenson and BASW colleagues, of the guide for members working with asylum seeker children, "child's welfare paramount?" spoke of how UNISON Scotland had come to produce the guide.

"We were very clear that our members should not collude with the deportation process and should be supported to work with asylum seeker children and vulnerable adults in the same way as they would with any other vulnerable people seeking a service and they should have the support of their union in doing that," she said.

"The guide provides a framework for such ethical practice." Kate told of the current challenges for SWIG.

"We will be working with other like minded organisations to campaign for the rights of these children and to ensure that their welfare is paramount in line with the law."

UNISON Scotland has also given evidence at the Independent Review of Asylum.

John Stevenson

John Stevenson commended the work that has been spearheaded by Stephen Smellie through SWIG, on Direct Payments.

A joint statement has been agreed between the union and key Scottish disabled peoples' organisations, with an aim to empower disabled people to live independent lives, and to provide good conditions of employment to those providing the services, including the right to join a trade union.

The lively question and answer session which followed focussed mainly on the issue of asylum seekers and the need for guidance and support for UNISON members across the UK.

Stephanie, Kate and John thank Scottish delegates for their support in attending the meeeting. It was very much appreciated. The Asylum and Direct Payments booklets are on the website and available from the Briefings Team.

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