UNISON Pressure Secures Sick Pay and Death in Service Benefit for Care Staff

24th May 2020

Following the deal for NHS staff, pressure from UNISON and other trade unions has secured a similar deal for social care staff. This deal is hugely encouraging.

The Scottish government has agreed a one-off payment of £60,000 to a named survivor as a death in service payment for social care staff. This recognises that it is important that such an arrangement is in place for those whose contracted pension arrangements do not offer death in service cover.

It is also agreed that for Statutory Sick Pay, an enhancement will be paid to staff through the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 on the understanding that this is the most efficient and timely way of the money reaching affected care workers.

Mike Kirby, UNISON Scottish secretary said: "Death in service payments and a statutory sick pay enhancement are welcome. Both have been secured through trade union pressure, led by UNISON. The fact that social care workers often have their weekly income reduced to statutory sick pay is immoral and left care workers with exceptionally difficult choice between protecting they own health, protecting those they care for or putting them and their families in a very difficult financial situation.

Over the next week, UNISON will continue to do the detailed work with government and others to ensure there is an equitable approach taken by all health and social care partnerships. However, the fact we now have an agreement is hugely encouraging."