SWU is thrilled that this call for fair terms and conditions in Scotland has reached such a huge milestone and we urge everyone to sign the petition.
Nearly one year ago, the Scottish Association of Social Work (SASW) launched the One Deal for Social Work campaign for national terms and conditions for social workers in Scotland.
This campaign was immediately supported by the Social Workers Union (SWU) in December 2023 and has continued to gather momentum, and signatures to its petition. The asks of this campaign are essential if we are to tackle the issues that threaten the existence social work as we know it in Scotland.
One Deal for Social Work and its supporters are calling for a national approach to pay and conditions which must include:
- A dedicated local government job family for pay and conditions for social work.
- A consistent framework for pay that allows for rural weightings and short-term initiatives in areas that are hard to recruit to.
- Pay recognition/pay enhancements for additional qualifications and responsibilities.
- A national maximum caseload with the expectation that cases are equally split between early support/standard/complex.
- A reduction in administrative burden to enable social workers to spend more time with people.
- Reflective supervision from a qualified social worker every 6 weeks as a minimum, distinct from case supervision provided by a line manager.
- At least 5 days/35hrs formal training each year.
- Flexible working that meets the needs of social workers and our communities.
- Paid overtime if social workers need to do more than their contracted hours, in order to keep people safe.
John McGowan, SWU General Secretary, commented:
“SWU stands shoulder to shoulder with SASW in this vital campaign. Social workers and the people they support are suffering the growing consequences of poor investment in the profession. We’ve heard from members who are struggling with excessive and complex caseloads, the reality of unpaid overtime, burn out due to stressful working conditions, and not receiving necessary support such as reflective supervision. SWU was the first to back the One Deal for Social Work campaign and we urge the social work community to show their support by signing the petition.”
George Hannah, SASW Senior Communications and Public Affairs Officer commented:
“We are immensely grateful for the support of all those who have recognised the need for change for social workers over the last year.
“Having the Social Workers Union’s support from the beginning was a massive boost for social work in Scotland. As the UK’s only specialised social work union, their backing shows how seriously these issues are impacting social workers in Scotland.
“Our members are clear that our asks are key to building a more sustainable and fair future for social workers and the communities they support. We urge supporters from all walks of life to sign the petition.”