Support for national pay and conditions for social workers grows in Scotland

Hundreds sign petition in SASW campaign calling for ‘much-needed change’
petition

A petition calling for nationally agreed pay and conditions for social workers in Scotland has been delivered to central and local government.

The petition, spearheaded by the Scottish Association of Social Work (SASW), states: “While comparable local authority professions have nationally agreed pay and working conditions, social workers do not.

“Differences in local authority pay levels mean social workers have unacceptable variations in pay and conditions.”

This means recruitment is “influenced by the higher paying employers” who are able to poach staff adding to high vacancy rates at some authorities, SASW claims.

Nearly 1,500 people have so far signed the petition which was delivered in late November to the Scottish Government and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.

The One Deal for Social Work: Campaign for Fair National Conditions for Social Workers puts forward nine reforms to create “high-quality, properly resourced” social work.

As well as a dedicated “job family” for pay and conditions, other asks include:

  • Maximum caseload levels
  • Enhanced pay for additional responsibilities and qualifications
  • A reduction in administrative burdens
  • Reflective supervision at least every six weeks
  • Five days minimum annual training
  • Flexible working
  • Paid overtime

The petition is being delivered in the run-up to the Scottish elections next May and the creation of a National Social Work Agency to oversee the development of the profession next April. 

SASW added the “much-needed change” highlighted by the campaign is being supported by other unions in Scotland.

Jane Shears, SASW national director, said: “Social work is integral to the delivery of Scotland’s public services and to thriving and safe communities.

“Social workers have the ability to transform lives and must be recognised and valued as skilled, autonomous professionals central to upholding human rights and promoting social justice.

“Our members are dedicated and skilled public servants, but they need the right support and working conditions in order to deliver services for people who need support in Scotland.”

BAW interim chief executive Samantha Baron recently called for national pay and conditions for social workers in England after data showing social workers with adults have suffered a 5.5 per cent real terms pay cut over the last eight years.