Facility time reporting: guidance for public sector employers

Scottish Government Support for Trade Unions and Facility Time

The Scottish Government believes that a progressive approach to industrial relations and to trade unionism is at the very heart of a fairer, more successful society. Trade unions are key social partners in delivering our economic and social aspirations.

There is clear evidence that unionised workplaces have more engaged staff, have a higher level of staff training and a progressive approach to staff wellbeing. That is why the Scottish Government is committed to supporting strong trade unions in Scotland. This distinct approach is based on partnership working as demonstrated through the establishment of the Fair Work Convention and the Scottish Government's endorsement of its Fair Work Framework.

We believe that facility time adds value to the management of public sector organisations by providing a framework for constructive consultation and negotiation with employers, ensuring the effective voice of workers and improving workplace relations.

The Scottish Government considers that facility time is an investment in the prevention of workplace disputes, providing savings to both the public sector and the public purse, through a reduction of negative impacts on staff time and the number of working days lost through industrial action. In addition, involving the trade unions as partners in public sector organisations also contributes to our success and the well-being of our employees and facility time is an essential part of achieving this.

The UK Government's reporting requirements do not seek to capture any of the benefits of facility time and focus solely on costs. This is particularly concerning as the Trade Union Act 2016 enables UK Ministers to make further regulations at a future date to impose controls, such as cap on facility time, in order to deliver cost savings.

The Scottish Government is committed to working with public bodies, the STUC and trade unions to ensure that the facility time reporting requirements do not undermine the role of trade union representatives in the workforce.