WIREDGOV

The Scottish Government's commitment to no compulsory redundancies for its own staff has been extended for another year, until the end of March 2012.

In order to deliver this guarantee, there is a commitment to genuine engagement with the trade unions on workforce flexibilities to achieve an affordable and sustainable workforce.

John Swinney said:

"There is a real benefit in providing security of employment in uncertain times to the dedicated and professional staff who work in all parts of the public sector.

"That is why it is excellent news, that as an employer, the Scottish Government has been able to reach agreement with the Unions on no compulsory redundancies.

"Of course that is dependent upon staff being flexible, but that is absolutely vital in the current climate, when we face substantial cuts in our budget from Westminster.

"The Scottish Government has been clear that it wants to extend this type of agreement across the public sector in Scotland and we are continuing to work closely with our partners to achieve this goal."

Following discussions between the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth and the Civil Service unions, the commitment to no compulsory redundancies has been reaffirmed and has been extended for a further year to the end of March 2012.

In order to deliver this guarantee:

• There is a commitment to full consultation with the trade unions to deliver transparent and meaningful engagement on an affordable and sustainable workforce, in all organisations to whom the agreement applies
• Existing guidance and policies on flexibilities will be fully utilised and there will be consultation with the unions and staff to ensure fair and equal treatment. This will include the use of statutory and non-statutory guidance which exist, to ensure these obligations are met, especially in a procurement or contracting situation
• Whilst it is acknowledged that management and unions will not agree on the strict controls on headcount, management pledges to fully consult the unions on all proposed efficiency measures within the parameters of existing policies, agreements and protocols, including voluntary early release schemes etc. and proposals for savings from workforce flexibilities, which will be specific to the workforce challenges facing individual organisations
• Management and the unions will work together to consider all options to avoid any compulsory redundancies including re-skilling and re-training. Anyone in a redeployment situation should be treated fairly and sympathetically and staff in this situation must be considered first for all posts that arise

The guarantee will be in place until end March 2012. The agreement applies to all civil servants within the responsibility of the Scottish Government, including staff of associated Departments, Executive Agencies and non-departmental public bodies. Civil Servants are also covered by the Cabinet Office and the Council of Civil Service Unions Protocol of April 2008 for handling surplus staff situations.