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Friday 27 March 2015

UNISON welcomes decision in Edinburgh social work contempt of court case

UNISON Scotland today welcomed the decision by the Court of Session that the conduct of social workers in Edinburgh City Council did not amount to contempt and that the decision of the Sheriff is quashed.

John Stevenson of UNISON’s City of Edinburgh Branch said: "The court has recognised complex and difficult decisions social workers have to take in their work in protecting the welfare of children. We hope this decision will assist in providing some clarity for them in exercising their duty in good faith to hold the child's interests as paramount".

"UNISON backed our members from the beginning and we are glad that the long months of uncertainly are now over for them. We have already briefed our members throughout Scotland as this process has continued and we will further brief them on any implications for practice arising from this judgement. We would also acknowledge the support and assistance the City of Edinburgh Council gave to our members throughout this matter”

1. The full decision of the Court of Session can be read here https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/search-judgments/judgment?id=63d8cea6-8980-69d2-b500-ff0000d74aa7

2. UNISON’s statement at the time of the decision setting out our concerns over the Sheriff’s decision http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/news/2013/novdec/1216.htm  

Friday 13 March 2015

Thanks for attending the AGM

Many thanks for attending the recall AGM on 12 March, especially in such awful weather. The branch can now step forward and deal with the host of issues facing us in the coming year.

The whole point of a union is that, whereas individuals can make little difference of their own, they are a force to be reckoned with when they join together. That came over loud and clear at the AGM.

There were great and at times emotional contributions from a range of members on serious issues and more reports will follow in the next few days.

In the meantime thanks again to stewards for putting thr work in and members for turning out to ensure our branch can keep going forward.