Date: Thursday 12 September 2013

UNISON welcomes publication of Procurement Bill

UNISON, Scotland's largest public sector union has welcomed the Procurement Bill being sent to parliament. UNISON has long campaigned for public procurement to be used more effectively to  improve the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of local communities.

UNISON Scottish Organiser Dave Watson said:
“UNISON welcomes assurances from the First Minister that the Bill includes new powers to tackle companies that do not comply with their legal obligations, including blacklisting and employment law.

"However, the Bill will need to go much further in tackling abuses such as tax dodging and poor employment standards such as the race to the bottom in care quality.

"Procurement should also be used to promote the Scottish Living Wage, fair trade and help achieve Scotland’s climate change targets.”

ends

For further information please contact:
Dave Watson d.watson@unison.co.uk 07958 122409

Note for editors:
UNISON Scotland’s submission to the consultation on the Procurement Bill can be viewed here:
http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/response/ ProcurementReformBill_Response_Nov2012.pdf

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