Trade union drops National Care Service support over pay concerns

A TRADE union has withdrawn its support from the Scottish Government's proposed National Care Service.

GMB has said the bill backing it, which has seen numerous amendments, will not compel care providers to fairly pay staff.

The union's social care staff membership supported a proposal to withdraw support for the legislation by 79%.

Louise Gilmour, GMB's Scotland secretary, said the plan should be an “opportunity to rebuild a care system in crisis”, but instead adds bureaucracy to current care delivery arrangements.

She continued: “The problems in social care are obvious and the solution is just as clear and would mean employers being compelled to fairly pay and properly protect care workers.

Enough is enough: After years of talks, millions of pounds, and no progress, our members withdraw support for National Care Service.https://t.co/TF9aVlXVVH pic.twitter.com/1LYLrababJ

— GMB Scotland (@GMBScotOrg) September 11, 2024

“Instead, years of talks and millions of pounds have been wasted while that fundamental issue has been ignored and our care system sinks deeper into crisis.

“We have heard plenty of warm words about our campaign for carers to earn £15 an hour, for example, but progress has been glacial.

“All the time and money spent on the National Care Service should have transformed how care is delivered, protecting workers and those they care for. It has, instead, achieved nothing.”

GMB, which represents many care workers, had long been involved in discussions with other organisations and the government regarding the delivery of the National Care Service.

Social care minister Maree Todd said she was 'disappointed' by the union dropping its support (Image: ,PA)

Ministers agreed earlier this year to relinquish some control of the final system to local authorities.

Social care minister Maree Todd, speaking on BBC Radio Scotland on Wednesday, said she is “disappointed” the union had pulled its support.

“But I’m going to carry on with my work to deliver a National Care Service for Scotland,” she said.

“We’re in the process of delivering that legislation, we’re about to enter formal stage two of that legislation, it will pass through Parliament.”