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The Scottish Government believes that bullying and harassment of any worker, under any circumstances, is unacceptable. Employment law, Equality law and Health and Safety legislation remains reserved to the UK Government. Only with the devolution of further powers will the Scottish Government have the full set of levers to take real action on workplace injustices.

However, in the absence of such powers, we are using our Fair Work policy to promote fairer work practices across the labour market in Scotland.

In the Scottish public sector, while executive non-departmental public bodies have their own HR policies independent of Scottish Government, we’d expect their policies to align with Scottish Government priorities. All public bodies should have in place appropriate HR policies for their staff, which comply with current employment legislation, other relevant guidance, and the standards expected of public sector employees. These should include but not be limited to: grievance procedure, guide to standards of behaviour, disciplinary procedures, whistleblowing, and performance management for all staff.

The Scottish Government is clear that that bullying and harassment of any worker, under any circumstances, is unacceptable. All employers have a duty of care to protect the health, safety and welfare of their workers. We endorse the Fair Work Convention's Fair Work Framework and agree that every worker, regardless of status or position, should be treated fairly and with respect.

Employment law, Equality law and Health and Safety legislation remains reserved to the UK Government. Only with the devolution of further powers will the Scottish Government have the full set of levers to take real action on workplace injustices.

On 09 December 2022 we published our refreshed Fair Work Action Plan, and are committed to promoting effective voice channels, such as trade unions, allowing workers views to be heard and help tackle issues such as workplace bullying. In addition, we are also introducing a requirement for recipients of public sector grants to provide effective voice channels as a condition of the grant, effective from 1 July 2023, as per the Bute House Agreement. This further recognises the role of effective voice in allowing the other dimensions of Fair Work to be realised, and in fostering a culture where bullying and harassment is prevented.

Where workers feel they have been unfairly treated, they should have the option of raising concerns through their workplace grievance and/or bullying and harassment procedures, seeking support from their recognised trade union representative if present. All workers should have access to justice via an employment tribunal, and should seek free and impartial advice from the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service wherever required.

The Scottish Government believes that bullying and harassment of any worker, under any circumstances, is unacceptable. We endorse the Fair Work Convention's Fair Work Framework and agree that every worker, regardless of status or position, should be treated fairly and with respect.

The Scottish Government promotes the role of Citizens Advice Scotland and the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) in providing advice and support on workplace issues, such as bullying and harassment.

We are also committed to supporting strong trade unions in Scotland for the benefit of workers and our economy. It is our belief that a progressive approach to industrial relations and to trade unionism is at the very heart of a fairer, more successful society, and we are clear that trade unions are key social partners in delivering our economic and social aspirations. Trade unions are a mechanism for providing effective voice in workplaces and have a role to play in tackling issues such as workplace bullying.

As health and safety legislation is reserved we regularly cooperate with the Health and Safety Executive to promote workplace safety. This includes using our devolved healthcare powers to promote and support safety in the workplace, our Fair and Healthy Work for All Strategy, and continuing to represent the opinion of the Scottish Government on worker safety to the HSE.

The Scottish Government believes that bullying and harassment of any worker, under any circumstances, is unacceptable. Everyone has the right to go to work without fear of intimidation. We endorse the Fair Work Convention's Fair Work Framework and agree that every worker, regardless of status or position, should be treated fairly

Details of the transaction remain commercially confidential. Scottish Ministers will discuss and agree with David MacBrayne Ltd how the receipt will be utilised.

The Scottish Government is supporting 29 Health and Social Care partnerships in their national media campaign of actively raising awareness of the importance of taking out a power of attorney with their local communities.

We will consider the recommendations In the Scottish Mental Health Law Review carefully and decide how we can further promote and highlight the need for every adult in Scotland to consider appointing an attorney whilst they have capacity to do so.

The Scottish Mental Health Law Review published its final report on 30 September 2022 and set out over 200 proposals for reform. The report recommendations are complex and wide-ranging, and cross-government work is underway to consider them and assess their implications. The Scottish Government intends to set out its initial Scottish Government response to the Review report, including priority actions that will be taken forward, by summer 2023.

Currently financial help is available, through legal aid for those who qualify to assist people who might not be able to afford the cost of a solicitor to draw up a power of attorney. A fee exemption is also available for registering the power of attorney with the Office of the Public Guardian for people who qualify.

The Scottish Government recognises that acting as an attorney can be very demanding and attorneys must have information on their rights and responsibilities and the safeguards in place to protect individuals. This will benefit both them and the adults they are supporting.

The Scottish Mental Health Law Review published its final report on 30 September 2022 and set out over 200 proposals for reform. The report recommendations are complex and wide-ranging, and cross-government work is underway to consider them and assess their implications. The Scottish Government intends to set out its initial response to the Review report, including priority actions that will be taken forward, by summer 2023.

The Scottish Government encourages everyone to arrange power of attorney so that their needs and wishes can be met in the unfortunate event that they cannot make decisions for themselves.

The Scottish Mental Health Law Review published its final report on 30 September 2022 and set out over 200 proposals for reform. The report recommendations are complex and wide-ranging, and cross-government work is underway to consider them and assess their implications. The Scottish Government intends to set out its initial response to the Review report, including priority actions that will be taken forward, by summer 2023.

The Scottish Government encourages everyone to arrange power of attorney so that their needs and wishes can be met in the unfortunate event that they cannot make decisions for themselves.

Currently financial help is available, through legal aid for those who qualify, to assist people who might not be able to afford the cost of a solicitor to draw up a power of attorney. A fee exemption is also available for registering the power of attorney with the Office of the Public Guardian for people who qualify.

The Scottish Mental Health Law Review published its final report on 30 September 2022 and set out over 200 proposals for reform. The report recommendations are complex and wide-ranging, and cross-government work is underway to consider them and assess their implications. The Scottish Government intends to set out its initial response to the Review report, including priority actions that will be taken forward, by summer 2023.