06.01.2016
Holyrood’s Devolution (Further Powers) Committee is to scrutinise the potential impact of the UK Government’s Trades Union Bill.
On Thursday, expert witnesses from the STUC, COSLA and NHS Scotland will give evidence on the Bill’s possible effect on industrial relations and public services in Scotland.
The one-off evidence session on 7 January will inform the basis of an urgent report from the Committee.
It is expected that the full Parliament will debate the report as a means of setting out Holyrood’s view on the potential impact of the Bill in Scotland.
Devolution (Further Powers) Committee Convener Bruce Crawford MSP said:
"The UK Trades Union Bill raises serious concerns for many members of this Committee. Given the Bill is already progressing through Westminster, we urgently want to hear, on the record, what impact this legislation will have in Scotland, if it’s enacted in its current form.
“We particularly want to examine its potential impact on Scottish public sector workers and their employers.”
Mr Crawford added:
“Following Thursday’s evidence gathering session, we will quickly produce a report that can be debated by the full Parliament, before the month is out.
“That way Holyrood can make clear its considered view to the UK Government before the Bill makes any further significant process through the UK Parliament.”
Thursday’s witnesses are as follows:
- Dave Moxham, Deputy General Secretary, Scottish Trades Union Congress;
- Shirley Rogers, Director of Health Workforce, NHS Scotland; and
- Councillor Billy Hendrey, Spokesperson on Human Relations, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.
Background
The Devolution (Further Powers) Committee will examine the Scottish Government’s Policy Memorandum on the Trades Union Bill published recently by the Scottish Government:
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/20151211_TU_Bill_SG_Policy_Memo.pdf