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Scottish Government White Paper: ‘Scotland’s Future – your guide to an independent Scotland’

The FDA union, which represents Senior Managers and Professionals in the Public Sector, has yesterday welcomed the publication of the Scottish Government’s White Paper. The union, which is politically neutral, says that the White Paper will clarify some of the questions for its members on the Scottish Government’s independence proposals and implications for them as public servants but much more detail is still required.

Dave Penman, the FDA General Secretary, commented: “The document addresses some of the questions that our members have been waiting for answers to but the White Paper still leaves many questions unanswered. Much debate and negotiation still needs to take place before the referendum, to build confidence among Scotland’s public servants on how public services will be shaped in an independent Scotland.

“We are pleased that there are assurances in the White Paper that the terms and conditions and pensions of those transferring from the Westminster Government ‘will be fully honoured’. We’re also pleased that there is a “continued commitment to no compulsory redundancies” by the Scottish Government if there is a yes vote in the referendum. Our priority will remain protecting both our members’ interests and the maintenance of the high quality public services the people of Scotland deserve.”

The FDA will be consulting its members on the White Paper before responding fully.

Notes for editors

1. The FDA is the trade union for the UK's senior public servants and professionals. FDA membership includes more than 19,000 senior civil servants, government policy advisors, diplomats, tax professionals, economists, solicitors, prosecutors and other professionals working across government and the NHS.

2. The FDA (formerly the First Division Association) should be referred to simply as ‘The FDA’ and can be described as ‘the senior public servants’ union’.

3. For further information contact:

• Dave Penman, FDA General Secretary, Tel: 020 7401 5555 or 07967 503827
• Jim Caldwell, FDA Scottish Secretary, Tel: 07967 126778
• Kay Hender, Communications Officer, Tel: 020 7401 5589 or 07980 700747
• Diana Ruthven, Communications Officer, Tel: 020 7401 5588 or 07791 040394.