Protecting Public Services

Scotland's public services are living through a 'lost decade', that's according to Unison.

It's claimed MSPs are failing to recognise the impacts of cuts on the most vulnerable.

Members also believe that corners are being cut to give the impression that services are being maintained.

The union says core infrastructure in the health service is collapsing leading to staff having to patch and mend.

Unison Scotland's Head of Bargaining and Campaigns, Dave Watson said:

"The overwhelming response from staff is that it's bad now, but they believe it’s going to get worse. This is happening at a time when public service wages have been slashed in real terms placing significant personal pressures on staff.

"We urge MSP's to recognise that there is a better way. Of course the driving force for austerity comes from the UK coalition government, but Holyrood doesn’t always make good choices. What is needed is the political will to challenge the view that austerity is necessary and to put in place better policies that deliver for all our communities."