VisitScotland staff ‘betrayed’, says Public and Commercial Services union as Scottish Government approves potential compulsory redundancy programme
Staff at VisitScotland have been “betrayed” following a decision which would pave the way for compulsory redundancies, a union leader has declared.
The move - which comes amid the closures of the organisation’s tourist information centres - would mark a significant change from previous assurances and also be against the Scottish Government’s policy of no compulsory redundancies.
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union said it had been made without union consultation or agreement and the dignity of a meaningful discussion.
But VisitScotland says at this stage it is a proposed compulsory redundancy programme - if required. Up to 33 people out of a current workforce of about 430 could be impacted.
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It comes against a background of strategic change for the taxpayer-funded organisation as it endeavours to adapt to the changing needs of tourists and businesses.
Last year, it announced the closures of all 25 information centres - including Inverness High Street, Aviemore and Ullapool - over two years, prompting anger and concern.
Ruby Gibson, Scottish secretary of the PCS which represents VisitScotland staff, said there has been a further troubling move with the organisation being granted an exemption from the Scottish Government’s long-standing policy of no compulsory redundancies.
“A policy that had stood for 17 years throughout the aftermath of the financial crash and the austerity years,” she said.
“A policy that has protected jobs, particularly in rural areas like the Highlands and Islands.”
She said the union had ben given one hour’s notice of the decision and staff were told later that same day with no consultation and no chance to propose alternatives to redundancies.
“This betrayal hits especially hard for PCS members in the Highlands and Islands,” she said.
“These workers know how vital VisitScotland is - not just for the economy but for preserving and promoting Scottish culture, landscapes, and livelihoods.
“Tourism isn't a luxury for this region. It’s the lifeblood of many communities.
“Reducing the workforce without exploring all alternatives puts that at risk”
Ms Gibson said throughout the voluntary severance process, VisitScotland gave repeated verbal and written assurances that compulsory redundancies were not on the table.
Ms Gibson said the situation was part of a wider funding crisis in the devolved Scottish public sector but that the Scottish Government could fund public services properly by raising fair and progressive taxes on wealth and land.
“The message from government seems clear - the people who make VisitScotland what it is - the frontline staff who welcome visitors and the experts who understand local communities - are disposable,” she said.
Vicki Miller, VisitScotland chief executive, said over the past two years the organisation had been working closely with staff impacted by changes.
“Despite reducing our workforce and offering voluntary redundancy and redeployment, we now have more people than we have substantive roles,” she said.
“As this continues to impact the budget we have for our core activity, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to introduce a compulsory redundancy policy.
“We have also had approval from the Scottish Government to initiate a proposed compulsory redundancy programme, if required, and as a last resort, for a specific group of staff impacted by the changes to the way we deliver information to visitors and support for businesses.
“The decision to consider a proposed programme has not been taken lightly and we understand this is a difficult time for those impacted.
“Our priority is to continue engaging with those staff to explore all options, including voluntary redundancy and redeployment, and support them through this period.
“We also have a constructive trade union relationship with PCS and have been engaging with them regularly throughout our change programme.”
A Scottish Government Spokesperson said: “We appreciate this will be a very anxious time for affected staff and Ministers have been clear they expect VisitScotland as the employer to engage fully with trade unions and staff throughout this process.
“We understand VisitScotland has made significant efforts to retain and redeploy staff and are currently working through additional options for remaining staff, including voluntary redundancy.
“Our position is clear that compulsory redundancies should be avoided and only ever used as a last resort, once all other options have been explored.
“Ministers must review any proposals submitted by a public sector body to pause their non-compulsory commitment on a case-by-case basis, only when all other options are already exhausted.”