A councillor has praised a landmark set of workplace reforms.
William Rooney, convener of corporate services for West Dunbartonshire Council, welcomed changes introduced under the Employment Rights Bill.
Elected members of West Dunbartonshire’s Corporate Services Committee were recently presented an update on the council’s Workforce Plan 2022–27, delivered by its People and Technology Service.
Changes introduced through the bill include adjustments to statutory sick pay, day one rights to paternity, parental and bereavement leave for parents, trade union recognition and strengthened protections around sexual harassment and whistleblowing.
Read more:
National award success for West Dunbartonshire home-building projects
'Reading changes lives' - Pledge launched to encourage kids to pick up more books
Speed limit changes coming to these West Dunbartonshire streets — are you affected?
West Dunbartonshire Council has focused resources on assessing the impact of the changes and updating relevant policies and guidance to ensure compliance across the organisation.
Trade unions, managers and employees have been briefed to raise awareness and support implementation.
Further legislative changes are expected throughout 2026.
These will include unfair dismissal rights after six months of employment, a prohibition on exploitative "fire and re-hire" practices, a duty to prevent third-party sexual harassment and enhanced redundancy protection for pregnant employees and those on maternity leave.
Praising the recent changes, William Rooney said: "I welcome the implementation of Labour’s New Deal for Working People.
"It represents the most significant improvement to workers’ rights in a generation and is a milestone we should celebrate.
"The dignity of work matters, and these reforms give people the tools and opportunities to build better lives for themselves and make work pay."
Read more:
Recycling on the up despite 'challenges' with new bin collection timetable
'People are fed up - they want the Scottish Government to get the basics right'
West Dunbartonshire residents asked to share views on council spending
Mr Rooney’s comments reflect a wider trend of growing union membership and support for worker protections.
According to the UK Department for Business and Trade’s Trade Union Statistics 2025, Scotland has seen a 10% rise in trade union membership.
More than 683,000 people in Scotland are now reported to be members of a trade union.
Paul Nowak, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, said: "It’s time to shout from the rooftops and show working people this government is on their side."
Share