SNP ministers have been warned they must rethink plans to create a National Care Service. Trade unions and councils claim the blueprint published earlier this year by Health Secretary Humza Yousaf is "unnecessary" and will disrupt existing services.
The National Care Service (NCS) has previously been branded a "powergrab", which will see the Scottish Government take control of 75,000 staff currently employed by local authorities.
Unison and Unite have now joined with Cosla to warn the shake-up of care services would have a serious impact on the future of local democracy and the viability of local government.
The service is being created following an independent review last year which recommended strengthening national accountability for the sector after it was heavily criticised for failures during the coronavirus pandemic.
MSPs are currently scrutinising legislation which will consolidate social care services under a national body divided into regional boards similar to the NHS.
Unions and Cosla say the proposals have left council staff uncertain over their future employer, their terms and conditions and their pay. Councillor Paul Kelly, Cosla’s health and social care spokesman, said: "Instead of investing to improve care services now, the Scottish Government are choosing to prioritise unnecessary expensive structural reform which will disrupt services, staff and our communities who rely on support.
"Local government staff across social care, social work and community health have gone above and beyond to support local people over the past few years and are now faced with the added uncertainty that comes with these Scottish Government proposals. Cosla will continue to work with our trade union partners to support our staff across local authorities and stand committed to making improvements to services now.”
Tracey Dalling, Unison Scotland regional secretary, said the National Care Service plans leave tens of thousands of staff, not just in local government but across many public services, uncertain about the future of their jobs and their pensions. She added: "What is certain, though, is that if the Scottish Government passes its legislation councils will be hugely reduced, both as democratic institutions and as employers."
Wendy Dunsmore, Unite industrial officer, said the union has been severely worried about the emerging framework surrounding the NCS. She said: "The Scottish Government’s proposals represent the biggest powergrab in the era of devolution. Ministers will be able to unilaterally decide what services are to be delivered nationally or locally, which is the direct opposite of local democratic accountability."
The Scottish Government has been asked for comment.
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