Date: 28 June 2005

UNISON REACTS ANGRILY TO NHS RELOCATION

In response to todays announcement by the Deputy Minister of Finance relocating the Special Health Boards - NHS Quality Improvement Scotland, NHS Education and NHS Health Scotland from Edinburgh to Glasgow, UNISON - Scotland's Health Care union - said that they are strongly opposed to enforced mass relocation of NHS Staff.

The union believes this will result in compulsory redundancy, despite what the Minister says. Many staff will be unable to afford the extra costs of increased travelling time incurred and this will make the move unacceptable to a large section of the workforce.

David Forbes, UNISON Regional Officer said "These organisations are already dispersed across Scotland and we believe money would be better spent on more NHS Community Services in the relocated areas".

Once again the Executive have ridden roughshod over partnership working between NHS Employers and staff. Following last month's abolition of Argyll & Clyde Health Board in the west, today is the turn of eastern Scotland NHS employees to feel undervalued.

Aileen Stewart, Branch Secretary said "UNISON is not against new jobs being located outwith Edinburgh but is fundamentally opposed to existing committed NHS Employees being moved as political pawns".

UNISON will be looking into a range of options in campaigning against this move, including a legal challenge. Other action is not ruled out at this stage either.

ENDS

For Further Information please contact: Aileen Stewart (UNISON Branch Secretary) 07974 748 791(m) David Forbes (Regional Officer) 0131-226 0059(w)

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