A third sector care provider and Scotland’s largest social care trade union have joined forces to urge the Scottish government to respond to what they say is the immediate threat of industrial action across the sector.

In a joint letter, Cornerstone and UNISON have called for the government to recognise the social care sector as an essential part of Scotland’s social and economic fabric.

Among their asks is the introduction of a minimum £15 per hour rate of pay for all frontline social care workers.

The current minimum pay rate for social care staff, as of April 2025, is £12.60 an hour – 39p more than minimum wage for those aged 21 and over at £12.21.

Cornerstone and UNISON are also calling for the implementation of sectoral bargaining, so unions can negotiate pay and working conditions for the entire sector, and pay parity across public, private and third sector care providers.

Hazel Brown, Chief Executive of Cornerstone, said this “unusual” move to come together with UNISON serves to demonstrate the strength of feeling and urgency that care workers in the third sector deserve better:

“This is an unprecedented move which sees Cornerstone and UNISON join forces in making an approach to the Scottish government, despite being in dispute and facing the prospect of industrial action.

“We are of the joint opinion that only immediate, meaningful investment by the Scottish government can deliver a sustainable sector capable of delivering the care, dignity, and fairness that the people of Scotland deserve.

“We will continue to engage in constructive discussions with UNISON to do all that we can to avoid industrial action, but without urgent intervention, the sector as a whole is at serious risk of collapse, leaving some of our most vulnerable citizens at risk and causing significant job losses across the country”.  

Social care charity Cornerstone provides care services to people with learning disabilities, autism and complex care needs across Scotland.

The letter states that, despite best efforts, Cornerstone and UNISON’s negotiations over pay,

terms and conditions have become “increasingly difficult” and industrial action has become a possibility.

Both Cornerstone and UNISON say in the letter they believe the only solution to these issues is Scottish government intervention.

Peter Hunter, UNISON Regional Manager, added:

“UNISON has good industrial relations with Cornerstone. We understand the financial constraints the charity is coping with.

 

 

“Our joint demands are no more than what social care staff have already been promised by the government.  Staff have had four years of broken promises. The Scottish government pledged to invest into pay and conditions. This has not happened, and this group of workers remain some of the lowest paid workers in the country. 

“Social care staff have no choice but to stand up for themselves."

Read more: Strike prompts call for national action on social care;  Government ‘lacks urgency’ on care reforms;