MSPs to consider impact of Trades Union Bill

The UK Government's controversial Trades Union Bill is to be scrutinised by the Scottish Parliament's Devolution (Further Powers) Committee ahead of a full debate on the bill in the Parliament.

Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick has previously turned down a request by the Scottish Government for a legislative consent motion on the bill, ruling that it does not encroach on devolved powers. But ministers and MSPs remain concerned at the potential impact of the measure, which imposes further restrictions on the right to strike especially by public service workers.

Expert witnesses from the STUC, COSLA and NHS Scotland will today give evidence on the bill’s possible effect on industrial relations and public services in Scotland. The session will inform the basis of an urgent report from the committee, which the full Parliament is expectred to debate as a means of setting out Holyrood’s view on the potential impact of the bill in Scotland.

Committee convener Bruce Crawford MSP commented: "The UK Trades Union Bill raises serious concerns for many members of this committee. Given the bill is already progressing through Westminster, we urgently want to hear, on the record, what impact this legislation will have in Scotland, if it’s enacted in its current form.

“We particularly want to examine its potential impact on Scottish public sector workers and their employers.”

The committee will also examine a policy memorandum on the bill published recently by the Scottish Government.