A union has accused Children First of attempting to derecognise it as part of a review of the charity’s staff policies.
Unite said that the Scottish charity’s management had taken a “provocative and ultimately a counterproductive course of action” by attempting to exclude the union from future negotiations on pay, holidays and working conditions.
“Unite has the workforce’s support and on this basis we would prefer to enter meaningful dialogue with the organisation but if they choose to inflame the situation then we will have no option but fight back at every turn,” said the union’s industrial officer Billy Thomson.
An employer can apply to have a union derecognised by the Central Arbitration Committee, three years after they have been recognised.
Grounds for derecognising a union include employee numbers falling below 21, union members falling below 50% and workers in the bargaining unit no longer supporting the union.
Children First, which had 260 full-time equivalent employees on average in the year to March 2025, did not comment on whether it planned to derecognise Unite but confirmed it was reviewing its staff policies.
Mary Glasgow, Children First chief executive, said: “At Children First, we are proud of our inclusive, values led culture, shaped by love, purpose and strength.
“Listening to our people so they feel heard, valued and able to influence decisions that affect them is at the heart of our culture.
“We are currently undertaking a review of how employee voice operates across Children First to ensure it remains strong, effective and fit for the future.
“This work is focused on strengthening and modernising our approach so that all colleagues, whatever their role, location or working pattern, have clear, accessible and meaningful opportunities to contribute.
“Our people consistently tell us they are deeply committed to our mission to protect Scotland’s children, and that commitment is one of our greatest strengths. This review builds on an already positive culture.
“We have sought to engage constructively with Unite and are currently finalising a date to meet with them to discuss this review. We remain committed to handling this process openly and respectfully.”
