Unite warns it will consider ‘all options’ in opposition to swingeing public sector cuts

 

Unite, which represents over 15,000 health and social care workers in Scotland, has warned the Scottish government that it is considering ‘all options’ in resistance to swingeing public sector cuts announced today (1 September).

 

The programme for government confirmed plans to slash the number of health boards in Scotland from fourteen to just two bodies running local NHS services. 

 

The restructuring of health boards has been portrayed as improving efficiency by cutting layers of management but Unite has warned that this will result in direct cuts to frontline services, and thousands of job cuts.

It has been projected that up to 20,000 public sector jobs could be cut as a result of the Scottish government’s proposals.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “The Scottish government has set out a slash and burn programme for the NHS. The proposals will inevitably result in swingeing cuts and thousands of job losses across the public sector. Our members will not be the collateral damage for the Scottish government’s failings.”

Unite has lambasted the Scottish government for setting out its ‘slash and burn’ agenda to fund an estimated £4.7 billion public sector funding gap by 2030 instead of investing in services and workers through alternative measures including a wealth tax on Scotland’s wealthiest individuals and families. 

 

A modest two per cent tax on Scotland's ten richest people alone could raise almost £500 million a year.

 

The union represents thousands of NHS and social care workers in care homes, estates, porters, the ambulance service, medical equipment management, scientists and theatre roles.  

Audit Scotland and the Accounts Commission reported in January that one in nine hospital beds were occupied because of delayed discharges in the 12 months to April 2025. 

 

According to Unite a significant proportion of the £440m spent because of delayed discharges by NHS Scotland could have been avoided and redirected towards more effective patient support packages if social care services in Scotland were properly and adequately funded.

 

Unite regional coordinator James O’Connell, said: “Culling health boards does not resolve the need to invest in health and care services. We have seen a repeated failure to invest in health and social care workers who provide essential services.

 

“Reducing health boards does not reduce workload or staffing pressures. Unite will not standby and allow workers and services to be attacked. We will be consulting our members on the damaging implications of this announcement, and all options will be on the table to prevent this unacceptable programme of cuts.” 

ENDS 

 

Notes to Editor

 

For media enquiries please contact Andrew Brady on 07810157922.

Email andrew.brady@unitetheunion.org

 

Unite Scotland is the country’s biggest and most diverse trade union with around 150,000 members.