Improving workplace relations

A new report which outlines a range of recommendations to improve workplace relations and productivity leading to economic growth has been published.

Cabinet Secretary for Training, Youth and Women’s Employment Angela Constance has welcomed the report in a statement to the Scottish Parliament and pledged to work with unions and employers to frame a response which meets our shared economic aspirations.

The Working Together Review: Progressive workplace policies in Scotland has been produced by an independent group chaired by entrepreneur and former Scottish Government minister Jim Mather. Its recommendations include the following:

• A new body to provide leadership on industrial relations, including the sharing of best practice
• The body should explore how to increase levels of workplace democracy across the public, private and third sectors
• Union involvement in implementing the recommendations from the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce
• Legislation to ensure worker representation on the board of every public sector body
• Public sector bodies should include a section in their annual report on their approach to industrial relations
• Union and employer representatives should undertake training to help build up levels of mutual understanding and trust.

Ms Constance said:

“Scotland has had a consistently strong trade union voice dating back decades, something we should be very proud of. I want to see that voice enhanced with the trade union movement continuing to be a key contributor to Scotland’s economic success.

“While the economy has returned to pre-recession levels and employment levels have reached a record high, our ambitions for growth do not stop there.”

“The review group has produced a thorough, well-evidenced and insightful report on the sorts of progressive labour market policies and practices which are likely to enhance business productivity through more effective engagement between employers and employees”.

“I am also pleased that the Working Together review – while adopting a neutral position on the referendum – has endorsed the compelling case for a fair employment framework and the need to boost opportunities for women and young people, and for an independent body to lead work to boost productivity and sustainable economic growth.

“There is a direct link between progressive workplace policies and productivity, innovation and sustainable growth. Well-rewarded and sustained employment is the best route out of poverty and the best way to tackle inequality.”

“The Government will take time to consider it and to work with businesses and trade unions on a joint response which meets our objective to support an innovative high wage and high productivity economy which reduces inequality and allows everyone to realise their potential, maximising returns from work.”

Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary and member of the Working Together Review Group said:

“There is a growing appreciation that what happens in the workplace is fundamentally important in addressing Scotland's economic and social challenges and opportunities. The evidence presented to the Review demonstrates that in workplaces, across Scotland, unions and employers are working constructively and fruitfully to make companies more successful, organisations more effective, work more rewarding, our economy more productive and our public services more responsive to the needs of individuals and communities.

“Having considered the evidence from Scotland and elsewhere, the Review Group, made up of unions, employers and academics, is convinced that the challenges we face and the opportunities available in Scotland are more likely to be addressed successfully in an environment where unions play their full part in economic, social and civil life, mirroring the norm in many successful social democratic countries.

“I hope that the findings of the review will dispel some of the myths about the role of unions today and the nature of industrial relations in Scotland and will provoke action by government, employers and unions that will develop and extend the considerable amount of good practice that already exists to fully realises the many benefits to be gained by workers, and organisations in the private, public and third sector in Scotland.”