Date: Wednesday 11 September 2013

UNISON comment on Scottish Government pay policy

Mike Kirby, Scottish Secretary of UNISON the largest union in Scottish public services said:

"Mr Swinney says that he will address low pay in the public services, however he reproduces the 1% set by Westminster and has no powers of implementation or enforcement over large sectors of the public services to ensure a weighting to low paid.

“Government is about choice and John Swinney has chosen to maintain ‘the most generous system of business rates relief anywhere in the UK’ while the vast bulk of those working in our vital public services will see their wages lose value.

“Mr Swinney makes great play of supporting a Living Wage - let’s hope he delivers on that pledge when he publishes his Bill on public sector procurement.”

ends

For further information please contact:
Mike Kirby, Scottish Secretary, 07939 143355
Dave Watson, Head of Bargaining and Campaigns 07958 122409

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