The local government workforce is essential. Council roles can be assisted by technology but most can never be automated: our services are human and depend on a diverse, skilled and committed workforce. A new Scottish Government must recognise and help promote local government as an employer of choice, supporting Councils to ensure our workforce is recognised, rewarded and developed for the future.
We are calling for:
Funding for fair, multi-year pay settlements.
Multi-year, fair and flexible funding will enable us to advance fair pay, offer high-quality employment and achieve
shared trade union goals to address low pay and workload. Being a ’Fair Work’ employer and making local government an attractive career choice requires support from central government. Our predominantly female workforce will benefit from further development of flexible working practices.
An end to restrictive, centralised targets and ‘input’ measures with a renewed focus on improving outcomes.
Focusing on narrow measures (such as teacher numbers or delayed discharges) can limit the ability of local government to deliver services effectively for varied local needs and circumstances.
Training to address skills gaps, shortages and prepare our workforce for the future.
COSLA and a new Scottish Government must work together to offer opportunities for people to develop digital skills for the future; and to move into ‘green jobs’ as part of the just transition to net zero.
Joined-up workforce strategies to bolster our children’s workforce and our social care workforce, across local government and the third sector.
To deliver on our shared commitments such as improving attainment and Keeping the Promise, we need a diverse, collaborative workforce made up of a range of professionals and organisations for both adults and children. Scottish Government must support a national recruitment campaign to bolster workforce numbers; implement and fund the recommendations of the Fair Work Convention 2019 report on social care; and, provide multi-year funding to create and retain jobs that are attractive and rewarding.
