Report backs UNISON PFI call

Social care staff to get new education boost Developed by UNISON and the Workers' Educational Association, the project will benefit around 1,200 staff over the next two years and has already run successfully in NHS Scotland.

Nursery staff need review UNISONScotland has called on the Scottish Executive to set up a review into early years education and childcare, and to establish a clear career path for early years staff in education.

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Report backs UNISON PFI call

A Scottish Parliament Finance Committee report has reinforced UNISON's call for an end to the two-tier workforce and for an independent review of Private Finance Initiatives (PFI) or Public Private Partnerships (PPPs).

In a separate development Finance and Public Services Minister Andy Kerr has flagged up talks on the two-tier workforce.

While welcoming the report, UNISON has warned that the campaign against PPP/PFI must continue. This was underlined in the successful call at Labour Party Conference for an independent review into PFI/PPP schemes.

Matt Smith, UNISON Scottish Secretary said, "UNISON is participating in the STUC discussion on the impact of the two-tier workforce. The outcome may well provide greater protection and guarantees for our members who are subject to PPPs/PFIs.

"Nevertheless, UNISON has made clear at every opportunity that our opposition to the principle of PPP/PFI continues, and that the elimination of the two-tier workforce, while a welcome step on the way, does not detract from our overall campaign".

Matt particularly welcomed the Finance Committee report's commitment to protect employment conditions of workers.

"Pressure is building on the Executive to deliver on its commitment to do away with the scandal of the two-tier workforce and to bring back the ethos of public service that Scotland has consistently voted for in elections."

UNISON has consistently said that PPP projects are vastly more expensive than publicly-funded equivalents, that they make profits by cutting staff, pay and conditions, and they do not deliver the levels or flexibility of service available through the public sector.

"We are glad that a number of our proposals have been identified by the Committee. Coming on top of the critical report by Audit Scotland into schools' PFI, and the decision of the Labour Party to call for a review by an overwhelming majority, this is further evidence of the need for a review of such projects."

UNISONScotland will be keeping up the pressure on the government in the run up to the Scottish Parliament elections with its campaign supporting public services delivered by publicly accountable staff - not by private companies accountable only to their shareholders.

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Social care staff to get new education boost

By John Stevenson

The Scottish Executive has launched a £400,000 Return to Learn programme to make it easier for social care staff with little or no formal educational qualifications to access education.

Developed by UNISON and the Workers' Educational Association, the project will benefit around 1,200 staff over the next two years and has already run successfully in NHS Scotland.

The launch heard from Cathy Jamieson, Minister for Education and Young People and UNISON's Michelle Brankin who had completed one of the first courses.

Michelle, a South Lanarkshire activist said, "I am delighted to be given this opportunity to speak here today for two reasons. Firstly it gives me the chance to thank both UNISON and South Lanarkshire Council for giving me the opportunity to take part in the Return To Learn course".

Secondly, said Michelle "It gives me the chance to encourage others to go on the course.

"Return To Learn is a valuable tool for people who would like to gain a qualification but, are being held back because they lack confidence in their ability to do so."

UNISON's Barbara Diamond has been linking with branches and employers to promote the initiative and organised the launch which brought together UNISON activists, managers and politicians.

She said, "Return to Learn Students will get basic study skills such as comprehension, simple research, writing, communication and presentation."

Cathy Jamieson told the launch that the needs of unqualified staff had not always got the attention they deserved and that was why her Social Services Action Plan called for Return to Learn initiatives in the care sector within nine months.

She said, "The provision of high quality care services to the vulnerable people who need them can only be delivered by well trained staff.

"This initiative provides a 'step up' to the first rung of the learning ladder and gives students the confidence boost required to go on to further qualifications.

"Raising investment in learning and support for front line staff is one of our key aims and must become a core concern for all social service employers - public sector, private sector or voluntary.

"This investment in people improves services and creates a culture of learning. I believe Return to Learn will prove to be an invaluable part of this process."

Michelle explained that she had wanted to improve her writing skills but did not believe she could until going on this course. "I attend meetings with management in my role as a UNISON steward but when it came to taking a minute of the meeting or writing a report, I failed badly. Since completing this course, I am now confident taking notes at meetings and writing up reports", she said

"I also enjoy writing articles for Branch Line our local UNISON magazine".

As part of the course Michelle investigated South Lanarkshire's 'Family Friendly' policies and discovered that, though excellent, there were implementation problems. She produced a report and recommendations and then followed them up with management.

"I am now delighted to say some of the recommendations within my report are being progressed by Social Work", said Michelle. A

s well as a home carer and UNISON Steward Michelle is now a lifelong learning advisor. That has brought great benefits but also its own problems. "I am the parent of a teenage daughter with only 24 hours in the day. How to fit it all in!"

More Information from Barbara Diamond 0845 355 0845.

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£5 an hour NHS victories

UNISON has won more victories in the campaign to ensure a minimum of £5 per hour for Scottish Health Care workers.

Members at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley have won a £5 an hour minimum. Willie Duffy, Regional Officer, said:- "It is sad that it took the threat of industrial action to force a private company to pay health service workers £5 per hour. These workers, mainly women, were earning a few weeks ago £4.18 from Initial Hospital Services. This company was exploiting these staff and should be removed from the NHS."

Argyll & Clyde: Members have accepted an offer but a ballot is also planned for £5.18 per hour in line with the claim. Willie Duffy, Regional Officer, said, "This deal benefits approximately 600, mainly low paid women, who will benefit by between 38p and 54p per hour on their basic pay. However, the UNISON Branches are committed to £5.18 per hour in this financial year and our campaign continues."

Ayrshire & Arran: Talks have failed to deliver for low paid health staff so UNISON is moving to ballot. Regional Officer Simon Macfarlane said, "What we need is an improvement in the hourly rate for all staff, enhancements to be calculated on that new hourly rate and enhancements to be paid at the national Whitley rates. The offer delivered none of these things."

"If strike action and all that entails is what it takes to get £5.23 per hour that is what our members will do. We know from our campaigning that the people of Ayrshire are behind us".

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From library assistant to STUC President via, .. well everywhere

Depute Scottish Secretary Anne Middleton retired from UNISON on 20 September, over 30 years after first joining the union. Here she talks to SiU Editor John Stevenson about:-

• her role as Nalgo's first senior woman officer and working for more women's involvement in the union and politics
• her key part in building UNISON's structures
• her achievements in the STUC and her plans for the future

A fine singing voice, an incisive wit and an ability to stay up half the night and still look good in the morning when the rest of us are wrecks are just a few of the qualities UNISONScotland will miss as Anne Middleton, UNISON Depute Scottish Secretary, heads off to new challenges.

Add to that the achievement of being ex partner union NALGO's first senior woman officer and long time campaigner for more women's involvement; STUC President and spokesperson on social partnership; the architect of many of the structures when UNISON was formed, and you have a major gap to fill.

"I have enjoyed all my working life and my role in the trade union movement. A full time officer is not a job, it is a way of life and like riding a bike, it will never go away", said Anne.

One of Anne's plans now is to "Travel, travel, travel" and she's done a bit of that in her time. Her first full-timer post covered Highland, Orkney and Shetland, Western Isles, Argyll and Bute, branches in north Strathclyde and all FE colleges. Soon she was also doing Universities!

"I used to feel I needed a helicopter not a car".

"There was no allowance for the fact that I was a single parent who had just moved south and lost family support for child care.

"It was hard going and I am glad to say that after doing this for two years things changed and I argued that no one officer should have the bulk of travelling".

Packages were split to take account of officers who were more locally based.

She joined the union as a library assistant in Aberdeen in 1964, became Grampian Region's first branch organiser in 1978 then took on a role for all the branches in the area, setting up the Aberdeen office. Promotion took her to NALGO's Glasgow office in 1980.

"I was the first woman to take up an organiser or Regional Officer post and sadly it remained that way for a number of years", said Anne.

Anne rose to become second in charge of NALGO Scotland and then on to the STUC General Council, culminating in her Presidential year in 1998. When UNISON formed Anne became Depute Scottish Secretary.

So what were the key achievements?

Anne was clear about what ranked top here - "Working to get women into full time positions in the union ."

She also singles out the campaign for the Scottish Parliament, in particular the STUC 50/50 gender campaign that has delivered, at least for one part of the Parliament.

A close second was working with branches to break down the barriers between full time and lay officers. Managing the change when UNISON was formed was a major challenge putting in structures for staff and lay members which in the main have stood the test of time. Anne also had the key role in developing Scotland's industrial action procedures.

"I feel these were efficient and realistic, maintaining excellent relationships with branches in sometimes very difficult circumstances".

Anne became lead STUC spokesperson for social partnership and worked on establishing the Scottish Health Partnership and the Scottish Executive Memorandum of Understanding signed at last year's STUC.

"I will continue to work on developing a social and economic partnership with Government", said Anne.

And what of the future?

Anne will be twiddling her thumbs in between continuing as STUC General Council Member, sitting on Employment Tribunals and the plan to 'travel, travel, travel" as if she hadn't had enough of that.

Matt Smith, UNISON Scottish Secretary said, "Anne had a very distinguished career in first NALGO and then UNISON and of course was President of the STUC.

"She will be missed by colleagues and members alike for the unstinting efforts she put in to make UNISON a strong organisation in Scotland and to defend and promote the interest of all our members".

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Bridge the NHS pay gap or risk losing essential staff

UNISONScotland added its voice to calls for a fair pay award for all nursing staff, as unions launched this year's joint evidence to the Pay Review Body.

Bridget Hunter, UNISON's Lead Officer for Nursing in Scotland, said: "Nurses, midwives and health visitors are the life blood of the NHS and we cannot risk losing more of these essential workers because of low pay.

"This year's evidence to the Pay Review Body highlights the need to bridge the gap between nursing staff and other key workers such as teachers and police who typically earn 10% to 14% more.

"It is a growing cause for concern that one third of students completing their nurse training fail to register. But when you consider the starting salary of just £16,000 a year, you can begin to understand why.

"We must act to ensure that nursing is seen as not only a worthwhile career but as a rewarding one too.

"As for health care assistants they need a real pay boost to recognise their developing skills and expertise on the wards. It is now routine for non-registered nurses to take blood, do ECG's and be trained in resuscitation, and yet for that they are rewarded with a starting salary of £9,735 a year. No wonder so many are struggling to make ends meet.

"UNISON believes they should have the money to match their duties and that includes a regrading to a C grade starting at £13,040."

Recruitment

UNISON has welcomed the Scottish Executive's Nurse Recruitment Initiative but warned that the issue of low pay in the profession must be resolved.

"The issue of low pay amongst Scotland's 55,000 nurses needs to be resolved", said Jim Devine, Scottish Organiser for Health.

"A 19-year-old, with 31 weeks training, starting in Strathclyde Police will earn £4,000 per year more than a newly qualified nurse.

"There is no point in recruiting nurses through the front door of a hospital if they are pouring out the back door because of low pay."

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Nursery staff need review

UNISONScotland has called on the Scottish Executive to set up a review into early years education and childcare, and to establish a clear career path for early years staff in education.

In presenting a petition of 20,000 signatures to the Parliament's Public Petitions Committee , Carol Ball, Chair of UNISONScotland's Nursery Nurse Working Party said: "Early Years education is a key part of everyone's lifelong learning. It isn't merely preparation for school, or somewhere to get the kids looked after. Nursery staff lay down the foundations that children will build on for the rest of their lives."

UNISON wants the review to address the structure, remits and career path of nursery nurses as well as rates of pay.

Carol said "European countries already recognise and value early years education and childcare as a separate profession. Unfortunately in this country it is often viewed as a 'woman's' job, or one that is taken because the individual is not intelligent enough to teach.

"Both these skewed perceptions serve to make nursery work an undervalued job."

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How will workforce regulation affect you?

by Lorraine Gray Communications Manager Scottish Social Services Council

UNISON members who work in social services will have heard about the Scottish Social Services Council, the new body set up to regulate the social services workforce and their education and training.

Here is an opportunity to find out more about its purpose and how it will affect members.

What is the Scottish Social Services Council?

The SSSC was established in October 2001 by the Scottish Executive as part of their drive to raise standards in social work and social care.

Its main functions are:

• The registration of social service workers
• Publishing Codes of Practice for all social service workers and employers
• Regulation of education and training Workforce development

In the last year, the SSSC has consulted widely with their stakeholders on all aspects of its work but in particular about the registration of the workforce.

There have been consultations on the Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers and Employers, on the level of Registration fees, the rules governing application to register and how we deal with conduct cases, and the qualifications required for different groups of workers.

Cathy Jamieson the Minister for Education and Young People launched the Codes of Practice in September. They are now being distributed throughout the sector.

What are the Codes of Practice?

The codes set down what standards of conduct people can expect from social service workers and their employers. Agreeing to abide by the codes will be a requirement of registration.

Employers are expected to use the codes when they are dealing with the conduct of their employees.

When does registration begin?

Registration will start in April 2003 and it will be in phases. Phase one will include:

• Social Workers, ie those holding the DipSW or equivalent
• Registration and Inspection staff of the Care Commission
• All residential child care staff
• All heads of residential care homes
• All heads of adult day care services

Phase two will include:

• All staff in adult residential care
• All staff working in early education and child care

The timetable for phase two and any further phases has yet to be set. However, it is expected that phase one will take a number of years to complete.

What qualifications are required?

The SSSC consulted widely on the qualifications criteria and had over 160 responses. The qualifications criteria for social workers and Care Commission officers has been agreed. The criteria for all other groups in phase one will be decided by March 2003.

The SSSC is proposing to accept applications for registration from applicants who do not meet the qualification criteria. Registration will include a condition that the registrant is working towards their qualification and will obtain it by a specified date.

If you would like further information, contact Nicola Breen on 01382 207267 or visit our website www.sssc.uk.com.

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Scottish branches join huge peace march

Scottish branches took to the road to support the massive Stop the War Coalition March on 28 September in London.

Stirling's Marion Henderson said, "We left Edinburgh by bus at 10.30pm on Friday and arrived in London at 8.30am. We had a real long day ahead of us - but started well - with breakfast - although not a bacon roll to be found anywhere.

"Stirling Branch was placed near the front of the March (we'd been invited to join the London contingent of UNISON - woohoo!) and at 1pm started walking… It took us over 3 hours to walk to Hyde Park from the Victoria Embankment but we made it - with very, very sore feet and by that time most of the speakers had finished.

"While we rested in Hyde Park marchers continued to pile in for 2˝ hours - I have never been a part of such a big protest - it was amazing.

"It was also so multi-cultural - so many people from so many different places saying the same thing - NO WAR. A great day!"

Pictured ialongside the huge march as it passed through London is the UNISON Stirling Council Branch banner and the UNISON City of Edinburgh Branch banner and contingent.

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Showing racism the Red Card

UNISON, the EIS and the Scottish Professional Footballers Association joined with Heart of Midlothian to launch Hearts 'Show Racism the Red Card' poster 2002/3 and the Scottish anti-racist schools competition.

This builds on initiatives already running throughout the country also involving Hibs, Celtic and Rangers.

100 guests, including 60 school students from Midlothian Council attended the event on 10 October. Players Alan Maybury and Kevin McKenna answered some probing questions from the school pupils - many challenging sectarianism too.

Ged Greeby from Show Racism the Red Card said, "We are printing 15,000 Hearts posters for free distribution. Thanks to the EIS we will be running a Scottish schools competition this year and our aim is to get our anti-racist message into more schools than ever."

John Stevenson, Chair of UNISON Scotland's Communications & Campaigns Committee said, "I am very proud that UNISON is a major sponsor of Show Racism the Red Card. Racism is an evil that must not be allowed to flourish.

"It is especially important that children are made aware of the damage and terror caused by racist behaviour."

On the same day European football launched a 10 point plan to challenge racism.

www.theredcard.org

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UNISON slams SEPA restructuring

UNISONScotland has responded in detail to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Policy and Financial Management Review, raising concerns that the restructuring has not improved effectiveness.

It says SEPA staff are working to the best of their abilities to provide a fair and efficient service within the constraints imposed.

Among the other points UNISON raises in its submission are:

• SEPA is not leading by example on sustainable development.
• More resources needed for SEPA to continue to provide the best service levels and effective performance
• More openness and transparency needed within the internal operations of SEPA.
• More debate is needed on the regulatory, charging and penalty powers.

See www.unison-scotland.org.uk /response/separeview.html for details of the full submission.

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Six point plan to cut NHS staff violence

UNISONScotland has launched a six point action plan to reduce the number of assaults on NHS staff and is calling on Scottish society to target specific hot spots like the Old Firm games which are creating, in some Accident and Emergency units, a "war zone".

A survey of 1455 nurses showed that in the past three years half had been assaulted on duty by a patient or patient's relative. 59% were offered no support after the attacks.

"This lack of support and follow up is quite frankly unacceptable", said UNISON's Jim Devine.

UNISON' s plan demands:

• The standardisation throughout Scotland of the definition, recording and follow up of incidents.
• Agreed training on the management of violent or potentially violent incidents for all NHS staff.
• A 'yellow and red card' warning system to members of the public who constantly abuse NHS staff. These could lead to banning individuals from NHS premises if they persistently physically or verbally abuse staff.
• Relatives who physically abuse NHS staff must be automatically charged and prosecuted by the Procurator Fiscal.
• Every NHS worker in Scotland has a duty of care to her/himself and to her/his colleagues, to use the reporting system for every incident, and accept and expect that zero tolerance is not just the preferred but the only option.

Index

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Highland Health & Safety Award

A Health & Safety Project involving UNISON safety reps has won a Highland Council Quality Award.

With themes of People, Results, Partnership and Leadership the project includes Safety Reps receiving training to STUC Stage One and Stage Two run by tutors from Stow College (Glasgow).

Richard Gerring, UNISON safety representative, said, "This is a significant achievement that will increase the number of safety representatives, reduce costs and ensure a consistent level of training".

A new screening nurse and a 'lifestyle monitoring' programme is to be developed and training was set up for senior managers. The Chief Executive and Directors passed an examination by the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

Highland Council is working towards the Scotland's Health at Work (SHAW) Bronze Award. This National award recognises the level of health and safety awareness in the workplace.

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Branch supports Alan in blind golf tournament

UNISON South Ayrshire branch member Alan Gray recently travelled to Canada to compete in the Blind & Visually Impaired World Championships and Canadian Open golf tournaments, writes Campbell Peden.

The branch is always keen to promote equality and was happy to help Alan out financially with part of the cost of his trip. Although Alan, who works in the disability resource centre based at Burns House in Ayr, didn't win he competed well and did both himself and the branch proud.

Presenting Alan with his cheque is Campbell Peden publicity officer and John Kerr branch education officer.

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Communications courses coming up soon

Communicating well? If not, why not try one of the autumn communications courses being run by UNISONScotland?

Branch Website Design Fri 15 Nov - Sun 17 Nov Reid Kerr College Paisley (staying in Glasgow Airport Hotel). New course aimed at helping Branches get to grips with the new communications medium of the Web and showing them how they can ensure their branches can set up and maintain websites to help with branch profile, organisation and communications.

A practical course that will end up with students going away having set up a basic website. Students will require information and relevant photographs from their branch.

Media Handling Fri 13 Dec - Sun 15 Dec Residential Glasgow. Course that will assist branch officers and others who are likely to deal with the media. Detailing the best ways to drive the media agenda, build up a professional image and ensure we are not caught out.

Press office staff and journalists assist with practical skills including radio interviews and press releases.

For queries or more details about these courses please contact either Chris Bartter or John Stevenson - contact details here.

Course details and application form should be in branches or contact Lucanne Strachan in the L&O unit in West Campbell Street (l.strachan@unison.co.uk) or see the website.

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We want to hear your news

Won any deals or cases for members? Any 'people' stories we could use? SiU is your paper, we want to hear your stories.

Your SiU contacts are:

John Stevenson (Editor)

0131 220 5655

comms@unison-edinburgh.org.uk

Chris Bartter

0845 355 0845,

chris.bartter@unison.org.uk

FAX PRESS RELEASES to 0141-331-1203