Fears Following 'No' Vote

Unions say jobs and services must be protected as Scotland votes to remain in the UK.

The Public and Commercial Services union has issued a challenge to the UK government to protect jobs and public services in Scotland after the No vote.

In the run-up to the poll, ministers in the Scottish parliament pledged there would be no civil service compulsory redundancies in the event of independence.

The union had decided democratically to remain neutral during the campaign, but was actively involved in pressing both sides to say where they stood on the key issues of the economy, public services, jobs, pay and pensions.

Following the result, the union described the referendum campaign as a "triumph of democracy", with almost 98% registering to vote, a record turnout of 84% and 16 and 17 year olds voting for the first time.

Most significant of all has been the level of engagement in political debate and activity across the country, particularly at the grassroots, which the union says proves people are not turned off by politics but by the stifling consensus among the main political parties.

The union will continue to campaign for investment in jobs and public services, and for an end to pay cuts that are driving down living standards, both in Scotland and in the rest of the UK.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: 

"The referendum campaign has been an inspiration and a triumph of democracy, proving that what turns people off is not politics but politicians who look and sound the same.

"We will now continue to hold these politicians to account and make the case for investment and a living wage instead of damaging austerity and cuts."

Lynn Henderson, PCS's Scottish secretary, said: 

"Today is an important day for Scotland. Our members will play a vital role in discussions around new powers for Scotland. We will, from today, be doing everything we can to make the case for strong public services, properly resourced to deliver effectively for the Scottish people.

“While our members have made their own decisions on how to vote, collectively PCS rejects the austerity agenda of the UK government."