At Unison, we have always championed inclusivity and diversity in every workplace across Scotland. The latest census figures, revealing that almost 184,000 Scots identify as LGB+ and nearly 20,000 as trans or having a trans history, reinforce the importance of our commitment to supporting all members of our community. This data is a monumental step forward in recognizing the diverse identities that make up our nation and will significantly impact how services are planned and delivered to improve lives.

Celebrating the Year of LGBT+ for Unison

This year, Unison has proudly declared it the Year of LGBT+, dedicating ourselves to amplifying the voices and experiences of LGB+ and trans individuals within our union and beyond. We believe that by fostering an inclusive environment, we can drive meaningful change and set a standard for others to follow.

Breaking Down the Numbers

The 2022 census was groundbreaking as it was the first to include voluntary questions about respondents’ sexuality and trans history. The results were enlightening: 183,869 Scots, or four percent of the population aged 16 and over, identified as LGB+, encompassing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and other minority sexual orientations. Additionally, 19,990 Scots, or 0.44 percent, identified as trans or having a trans history.

This data not only helps us understand the demographics better but also aids charities, local authorities, businesses, and the government in planning and improving services to enhance the lives of LGB+ and trans individuals.

A Closer Look at the Statistics

  • Bisexual Scots: Of the LGB+ population, 80,260 individuals identified as bisexual, with nearly half of them aged between 16 and 24, and around a third aged between 25 and 34.
  • Gay or Lesbian Scots: Another 80,100 individuals identified as gay or lesbian, with 23.1 percent aged between 16 and 24, and 28.6 percent aged between 25 and 34.
  • Trans Scots: Among those who identified as trans, 46.1 percent were aged 16 to 24, and 26 percent were aged 25 to 34, highlighting a youthful demographic.

Regional Insights

Dundee City Council area had the highest proportion of people identifying as trans or having a trans history at 0.91 percent, followed by the City of Edinburgh and Glasgow City at 0.77 percent each. Meanwhile, the City of Edinburgh had the highest proportion of people identifying as LGB+ at 7.6 percent, with Glasgow City and Dundee City following at 7.1 percent and 6.6 percent, respectively.

A Step Forward for Equality

Director of Census Statistics Jon Wroth-Smith remarked, “This is the first time Scotland’s census has ever collected data on trans status or history and sexual orientation. We can now say that almost 20,000 people aged 16 and over in Scotland identified as being trans or having a trans history, and almost 184,000 people aged 16 and over identified as LGB+.”

At Unison, we understand the power of this information in driving forward our mission for equality. We remain steadfast in our commitment to support, protect, and celebrate our LGB+ and trans members. These statistics not only validate our efforts but also inspire us to continue advocating for a workplace and society where everyone can thrive, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Moving Forward Together

Unison will use these insights to enhance our support systems, create more inclusive policies, and ensure that the voices of LGB+ and trans individuals are heard and respected. As we celebrate the Year of LGBT+, we reaffirm our pledge to stand with our members, fostering a union that is as diverse and vibrant as the people it represents.

Together, we will continue to build a future where everyone feels valued and empowered. This is our commitment to you. This is Unison.

UNISON PRESS RELEASE - 07 MAY 2024

UNISON has today (Tuesday) revealed a survey which shows the widespread failure of the Scottish government to prepare the NHS for the country’s new Safe Staffing Act.

Despite the Act coming into effect on April 5, Scottish government guidance was only made a few days prior, meaning the majority of staff have still received no training or guidance on the new rights and obligations under the Act.

The survey lays bare the reality of working in Scotland’s NHS and reveals:

· Eight in ten staff no longer have confidence in existing procedures for dealing with inadequate staffing
· Almost two thirds (65%) of staff were unaware of the NHS Safe Staffing legislation
· An overwhelming majority (89%) of staff had received no training on the new regulations

Matt McLaughlin, UNISON Scotland’s head of health, said: “The government has had over four years to prepare for this new law, yet guidance was only made available four days before it became law.

“There’s a direct link between staffing levels and high quality outcomes for patients. Our members repeatedly tell us they do not have enough staff or enough time to give patients the care they need and deserve.

“In wards where they do meet staffing requirements, there is often not the correct skill mix to meet patients’ needs. This puts patients’ safety at risk and puts staff in unacceptably stressful situations.

“The reality is that staff don’t believe things are safe and NHS staff are left picking up the slack while no one holds their hospitals accountable.”

UNISON says many incidents of short-staffing is not reported as the recording tool, Datix, is time-consuming and cumbersome, meaning many incidents of short-staffing are not reported. We also received many reports that staff were discouraged from making reports at all.

Matt McLaughlin continued: “The Scottish government does not have a true picture of the scale of the short-staffing situation in the NHS as incidents of short-staffing are chronically under-reported – staff simply do not have the time. And an obvious weakness is that key support staff are not included.

“The Act is potentially a powerful tool for driving up standards – but it can only make a difference if people know how to use it. And when incidents are reported, there is help from health boards to fix the situation.

Despite the Act being in place for almost a month, the majority of staff have received no training on the new legislation. The Scottish government is failing patients and staff and it’s high time it prioritised tackling the staffing crisis in the NHS.”

Further information

· You can view UNISON Scotland’s NHS staffing survey here: https://unison-scotland.org/wp-content/uploads/010524-NHS-safe-staffing-survey-FINAL-DP-TH.pdf More than 3,500 NHS members who are covered by the Act took part in the survey.

· Case studies are available on request. You can make a bid by contacting d.phillips@unison.co.uk

· UNISON is Scotland’s largest health union and represents health workers across the NHS including nurses, midwives, paramedics, porters and administrative workers.

· The Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019 – more commonly known as the Safe Staffing Act – came into force in April 2024. It places a duty on health boards to ensure adequate numbers of appropriately qualified staff are working in healthcare settings.

Comments from NHS staff

“Our ward is always short staffed, I can count on one hand the amount of shifts that have actually been fully staffed in the last 2 years” Staff nurse, Highland

“Increased staff patient ratios recently due to surge in beds being used in non traditional bed spaces such as corridors. This is being accepted as normal practice within the organisation.” Occupational therapist, NHS Grampian

“Have been on nightshifts when there have been only 2 midwives and me with a full ward of 24 mums and babies.” Maternity care assistant, NHS Lothian

“Regularly work on a night shift as the only band 5 for 27 mental health patients.” Staff nurse, NHS Lothian

“Nurses simply do not have the time to give the patients the time and care they deserve.” Staff nurse, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

“No point in doing datix as nothing gets done.” Staff nurse, NHS Lothian