13 May 2015
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has held her first bi-annual meeting with the Scottish Trades Union Congress.
They discussed the outcome of the UK General Election and the serious concerns they share over the impact on the people of Scotland of the UK Government’s commitment to continued austerity.
With £12 billion of additional cuts to social security spending, the First Minister and the STUC agree the UK Government should approve the full devolution of powers over:
- the minimum wage
- trade union and employment law
- health and safety law and equalities legislation
- further devolution of powers over social security
The First Minister said:
“We know further spending cuts will only further hit our most vulnerable communities.
“This Scottish Government is focused on addressing the unacceptable levels of inequality that people are experiencing which in turn will deliver strong economic growth.
“We will work with the STUC to make sure Scotland’s opposition to austerity is heard and our desire for a fairer deal for Scotland is delivered.”
First Minister and the STUC agree on transfer of powers http://t.co/ZCmo2peGR6
— STUC (@ScottishTUC) May 13, 2015
The First Minister and the STUC also signed a new Memorandum of Understanding at the meeting in St Andrew’s House.
The MoU reflects the shared priorities of the Scottish Government and the STUC and will see the organisations working together developing a more successful productive, cohesive and fairer Scotland in line with the Programme for Government.
You can read more about the PfG here.