NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release Thursday 02 September 2004
STUC cautiously welcomes refreshed vision for Economic Development
The STUC today cautiously welcomed the Scottish Executive's refreshed Framework for Economic Development in Scotland (FEDS).
Bill Speirs, STUC General Secretary, said
"We welcome the Scottish Executive's vision of increasing economic opportunities for all in a bid to reduce the productivity gap between Scotland and the UK which has widened year on year since 1999. We do, however, have two main concerns."
The STUC believe there are gaps in the Framework and in particular, there is no reference to the impact of fair employment practice in improving productivity, a concept, which the Scottish Executive have signed up within their own organisation
"We can see no evidence of promoting the value of `Fair Employment Practice' in the document. The STUC strongly believes that valuing employees and treating them fairly is absolutely vital trade unions are best placed to achieve this balance in the workplace. Unions work in ensuring the Scottish economy meets the productivity challenge.
The STUC urged caution on how far the Scottish Executive will go in its bid for greater efficiency across the public sector in Scotland.
Bill Speirs stated:
"Of course an efficiently run public sector is crucial to improving economic growth in Scotland. The STUC and the public sector unions have worked closely with the Scottish Executive in recent years to enhance the quality of public services in Scotland.
"However, the First Minister's refusal, so far, to state if these efficiencies will be achieved through jobs cuts is worrying. We are prepared to work with the Scottish Executive again to find ways to further improve public services without resorting to job cuts. It is also crucial that any savings from increased productivity should be reinvested in service delivery."
Tel: 0141 337 8100 / Fax: 0141 337 8101 www.stuc.org.uk
Ends
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