This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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End to two-tier workforce for future PPP projects
11/11/2002
The Executive and trades unions have agreed a protocol
that will end the two-tier workforce in future Public
Private Partnership (PPP) contracts.
The agreement is intended to ensure fair pay and
conditions for people working under such contracts on the
public service front line.
It is also intended to ensure fair employment policies
and practices are followed by PPP contractors in all new
contracts.
It has been agreed by an Executive and STUC Working
Group set up to examine staffing issues in PPPs.
Finance and Public Services Minister Andy Kerr said:
"When I spoke at the STUC conference in April, I
promised to end the two-tier workforce in future PPP
contracts. I am honouring that commitment.
"This announcement is a big step forward which
underlines that we have made real progress on this
important issue after in-depth discussions with the STUC
Working Group over the past few months.
"PPP is helping deliver the biggest school building
programme Scotland has ever seen. PPP is helping deliver
modern hospitals fit for purpose.
"If we are to achieve improvements in public services,
we need to work with the staff at the frontline. Their
support and hard work is crucial if we want to deliver the
modernisation and improvements in public services that the
people of Scotland expect and deserve.
"This is a good deal for public sector staff who will be
involved in future PPP projects in Scotland. It ensures
they will not lose out if they move to a PPP project.
"That is why this protocol is so important - it ends the
two-tier workforce in all future PPP projects. We have
listened to people on the frontline and the trades unions.
And we have acted on the views they have expressed.
"It will not, however, impede the ability of the
contractor to operate efficiently. The protocol recognises
that flexibility has to remain an essential part of
innovative and improved public services in Scotland.
"This is a clear example of the Memorandum of
Understanding the First Minister signed with the STUC in
April delivering tangible results, based on the shared
principles.
"There are, of course, still issues we need to address
to ensure employees enjoy the fairest employment conditions
possible. We will continue to discuss this and other issues
of importance with trades unions."
The protocol has been produced jointly by the Scottish
Executive, STUC and the key unions whose members are
involved in staff transfers under PPPs. It is aimed at
eliminating the two tier workforce and ensuring consistency
of good practice in the handling of staff transfers under
future PPPs. The working group was set up in April
2002.
It takes immediate effect. Public sector organisations
will receive the protocol this week.