A severance policy for Scotland: consultation

1 Introduction

In December 2016, as part of Scotland's Budget for 2017‑18, Scottish Ministers announced their intention to consult on severance policy across the devolved public sector in Scotland.

This is, in part, as a result of powers conferred on Scottish Ministers (by way of Westminster Acts for which legislative consent motions were agreed by the Scottish Parliament) in relation to capping and recovery of exit payments in devolved public sector bodies and existing powers that relate to exit payment terms. Combined, they create the opportunity to review existing practices and consider the best approach for the devolved public sector in the future.

The Scottish Government approach to public sector terms and conditions, which includes severance schemes and public sector pay policy, is based on a commitment that they are fair, affordable, offer value for money. We remain committed to a policy of no compulsory redundancy for those bodies which Scottish Ministers control pay and to the promotion of a consistent approach across the public sector, effective governance and control over severance schemes and meets the needs of employers and employees.

The Scottish Government places a high value on the role of trade unions, encouraging partnership working between employers and trade unions around the delivery of flexible and responsive public services and the support offered to those employed in public service, including in the design and application of severance schemes.

This consultation is intended to support this overall approach, in the interests of the sustainability of the public finances and the effectiveness of public services.