Date: Friday 27 March 2015

UNISON welcomes decision in Edinburgh social work contempt of court case

UNISON Scotland today welcomed  the decision by the Court of Session that the conduct of social workers in Edinburgh City Council did not amount to contempt and that the decision of the Sheriff is quashed.

John Stevenson of UNISON’s City of Edinburgh Branch said:

"The court has recognised complex and difficult decisions social workers have to take in their work in protecting the welfare of children. We hope this decision will assist in providing some clarity for them in exercising their duty in good faith to hold the child's interests as paramount".

"UNISON backed our members from the beginning and we are glad that the long months of uncertainly are now over for them. We have already briefed our members throughout Scotland as this process has continued and we will further brief them on any implications for practice arising from this judgement. We would also acknowledge the support and assistance the City of Edinburgh Council gave to our members throughout this matter”

ENDS

Notes to editor 

1.    The full decision of the Court of Session can be read here https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/search-judgments/judgment?id=63d8cea6-8980-69d2-b500-ff0000d74aa7

2.    UNISON's statement at the time of the decision setting out our concerns over the Sheriff’s decision http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/news/2013/novdec/1216.htm

UNISON Scotland social work pages
www.unison-scotland.org.uk/socialwork/

For more information contact:

John Stevenson 07876795018
Dave Watson, UNISON’s head of bargaining and campaigns, 0141 342 2840 or 07958122409
Danny Phillips, Communications Officer: 07944664110

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