Date: Wed 24 August 2005

Strike action at Careers Scotland

STAFF at Careers Scotland have voted decisively in favour of strike action. UNISON members at Scottish Enterprise (Careers Scotland) voted by nearly two to one for strike action in the continuing dispute over SE's imposition of performance related pay.

There was a 74.47% return (715) of the 960 ballot papers issued. A total of 458 (64.2%) staff voted yes, with 255 (35.8%) voting no.

Peter Veldon, UNISON regional organiser, welcomed the clear decision by the membership to escalate their action. "This should make clear to Mr Perry at Scottish Enterprise the very high level of dissatisfaction among his staff over his decision to impose this unfair pay system.

"A day of action will take place in September at a date yet to be decided. The action will cover all of the 12 Local Enterprise Companies throughout the Scottish Enterprise area, along with selected careers offices.

"Further strike days may be called if no resolution is reached."

ENDS

Notes to the editor: Careers Scotland became part of Scottish Enterprise in April 2002. SE operated this scheme with existing staff for the last ten years but UNISON believes it is divisive and has not been modernised in keeping with recommendations in governmental reports. Under the previous chief executive of SE, Robert Crawford, progress was being made in modernising Scottish Enterprise's pay system in line with these recommendations. Agreement was imminent. Under the new Chief Executive Jack Perry, these discussions were abandoned - the employer continued with their previous system for SE staff and imposed it on Careers Scotland staff.

For Further Information Please Contact: James Corry Branch Secretary. Tel: 0778 5517204 Peter Veldon (Regional Organiser) 07969 478 254(m) Chris Bartter(Communications Officer) 0845 355 0845(w) 0771 558 3729(m)

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