Workers have bigger platform to secure better jobs, pay and conditions
Unite, Scotland’s leading trade union, has extended a union recognition agreement covering 2,500 workers based at the social care and housing support provider Key.
Key is one of Scotland’s largest not for profit social care providers which primarily delivers housing, and personalised support services to around 2,000 people in their own homes and communities.
The sole recognition agreement with Unite builds on an existing relationship with Key but it has been extended to cover almost 2,500 workers.
The majority of the workers covered by the agreement provide vital frontline services for people with complex support needs across Scotland.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite has successfully extended a recognition agreement for workers at Key across Scotland. This agreement will help us to build stronger foundations so Unite can continue to secure better jobs, pay and conditions for workers.”
The union is also working with Key to highlight the wider underfunding and sustainability of social care provision in Scotland. Both Unite and Key are demanding greater financial support from the UK and Scottish governments to mitigate the financial impact on social care providers due to the rise in employer national insurance contributions.
Shauna Wright, Unite industrial officer, said: “Unite is delighted to continue our relationship with Key. We are determined to ensure that those delivering social care are appropriately rewarded for their professionalism and commitment. We believe this agreement sends out a positive signal to other employers in the community and social care sector to work with Unite to drive up standards.
“We are also calling on greater financial support from government with Key, and for funds to be released to mitigate the effects of the rise in national insurance contributions for social care providers. The sector is already under substantial strain and we collectively need to find ways to put it on a more sustainable path.”
ENDS
Notes to Editor
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Email andrew.brady@unitetheunion.org
Unite Scotland is the country’s biggest and most diverse trade union with around 150,000 members. The union is led in Scotland by Derek Thomson.