Social Work

PublicationsSupporting Scotland’s Social Work Services Workforce: UNISON is by far the largest union representing most Social Work and Social Care staff in Scotland. We represent Social Workers in all specialisms, residential workers, social care workers, OTs, home care staff and professional, admin and clerical support staff. We have a Social Work Issues Group (SWIG) with reps from branches across Scotland, specifically addressing Social Work issues. See also important information for workers registered with regulatory bodies.

News and updates

UNISON Week 343 – NHS and social care in crisis and more

UNISON Week 343 - NHS and social care in crisisand more ... Read full newsletter here ... Read More

UNISON assembles ‘coalition of concern’ over National Care Service legislation

Public services union UNISON is today (TUES)  bringing together a wide coalition of organisations who have concerns about the impact ... Read More

UNISON comment on Social Work Scotland’s report: Setting the Bar

UNISON, Scotland’s largest social work union, has welcomed the latest report from Social Work Scotland published today (Wednesday) but says ... Read More

UNISON Week 338: Let’s be “sensible” about pay, four day week pilot disappointment & more

UNISON Week 338: Let's be "sensible" about pay, four day week pilot disappointment & more. Read full newsletter here ... Read More

UNISON Week-336 – now it’s time to defend councils, care workers travel, university strikes and more.

UNISON Week-336 - now it's time to defend councils, care workers travel, university strikes and more. Read full newsletter here ... Read More

Public funding must be contingent on union recognition

#STUC22 The Fair Work demand for effective voice for workers, so lauded by the Scottish Government, was spotlighted again in ... Read More

Social Work publications

Radical Social Work Webinar No 27 – Scotland’s Proposed National Social Work Agency

This edition of our Radical Social Work Webinar looks at the proposal to create a National Social Work Agency in ... Read More

Briefing 141 – National Care Service Bill Update

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The General Principles of the National Care Service Bill were approved by Parliament on 29 February. This briefing summarises where ... Read More

Briefing 140 – National Social Work Agency Update

thumbnail of Policy Briefing 140 Revised NSWA Feb 2024
This briefing sets out the current proposals for a National Social Work Agency. These plans are still under discussion and ... Read More

Briefing 139 – National Care Service: Revised Government Plans

thumbnail of Policy Briefing 139 Revised NCS Jan 2024
The Scottish Government has radically revised its plans for a National Care Service.   This follows negotiations with COSLA and the ... Read More

Bargaining Briefing 135 – Regrading Hints & Tips for Social Work Paraprofessionals

thumbnail of Final Bargaining briefing Hints and Tips Nov 2023
This briefing produce by UNISON's Social Work Issues Group provides Social Work Assistants, Family Support Workers and other paraprofessional staff ... Read More

Towards a REAL National Care Service – Summary Report

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This is the Summary of a report commissioned by UNISON Scotland from APSE, the Association for Public Service Excellence and ... Read More

Towards a REAL National Care Service for Scotland – Full Report

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With the National Care Service Bill in tatters, this timely report makes a compelling case for the direct public delivery ... Read More

e brief – Update on the National Care Service Bill October 2023

thumbnail of NCS Bill Update October 2023 e-briefing (002)
Since its introduction in June 2022, UNISON has campaigned for the National Care Service Bill to be withdrawn. We want ... Read More

e brief – SSSC Consultation on Proposed Register Changes

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The Scottish Social Services Council is consulting on 3 changes it wishes to make to the Register. These changes affect ... Read More

Briefing 131 – Consultation on Safe Staffing Statutory Guidance: Care Services

thumbnail of Briefing 131 – safe staffing consultation care
The Scottish Government is consulting on its draft Statutory Guidance for safe staffing in health and care. The Health and ... Read More

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