The first minister has promised plans to reduce the number of health boards in Scotland will not result in compulsory redundancies.
John Swinney would not be drawn on the scale of job losses likely following his proposals to cut the number of mainland health boards in Scotland from 14 to two.
He told BBC’s Radio Scotland Breakfast he would “work collaboratively” with trade unions on a reform programme that will mean a reduction in public sector jobs.
Swinney told the programme: “I will maintain the no compulsory redundancy commitment. There is no question about that in my mind.”
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Published11 hours agoRevealing his programme for government on Tuesday, Swinney also said the number of Scotland’s councils could be reduced to operate more sustainably.
There are currently 32 local authorities but the first minister would not be drawn on how many he believes there should be.
Swinney said he wanted to work with local government to have a range of larger councils that are “strategic in their nature”.
He wants them able to undertake “sophisticated challenges” in areas such as public protection and the delivery of social work interventions.
He added that he wanted local communities to feel they have “much more control over their lives”.
The plans for reforming the shape of the health service in Scotland were more detailed.
There are currently 14 territorial health boards, a number that would be cut to two in the proposals. Details have yet to be confirmed for what happens with the Shetland, Orkney and Western Isles boards.
Swinney said his changes would free up more time and capacity for treatment
The proposals would not necessarily affect the operation of the national health boards that run the Scottish ambulance service or provide procurement and other support to the NHS.
Final decisions will only be taken after consultation.
The first minister’s speech focussed on reform of the public sector to save money, cut bureaucracy, and improve how services are delivered.
The SNP leader set out a range of policies aimed at growing the economy, eradicating child poverty, transitioning to net zero and addressing “the epidemic of violence against women and girls”.