Scotland's three key record-keepers face merger to save taxpayers' cash

Published on Monday 6 September 2010 17:53

THREE of Scotland's major public bodies could be merged in a radical cost-cutting measure put forward by ministers.

• Registrar general Duncan Macniven in the births, marriages and deaths section of New Register House,Edinburgh. Picture: Jon Savage

Enterprise minister Jim Mather has asked the General Register Office for Scotland, National Archives of Scotland and Registers of Scotland to look at whether an amalgamation would save taxpayers' cash.

The bodies, which have nearly 2,000 people on their payrolls, have been given until mid- November to come up with possible ideas on how they could work together and save funds.

Mr Mather said he backed action to increase the "value of public spending" at the organisations which were one body before the First World War.

However, a union leader warned that the proposals could be an excuse for slashing public sector jobs.

The PCS union, which represents staff at the bodies, claimed that it had not been consulted about the plans on the future of the organisations.

Lynn Henderson, Scottish secretary of the PCS, said: "This announcement was made without consultation of the union, which is a very unusual thing to do.

"We want to be part of the consultation on this.

"There's a concern that any merger would be a cost reduction exercise rather than about the needs of Scottish services. We're also very concerned about the implications for jobs and on the face of it this looks like a jobs cutting exercise."

The union leader also expressed concern about merging three organisations that have different roles.

She said: "The bodies do completely different work, so there's a concern about how that would work."

Scottish Labour's finance spokesman David Whitton backed the concerns of the union and said that staff should be consulted about possible changes.

He said: "Announcements like this should not be dropped on staff like a bombshell.

"If SNP Ministers are proposing to merge public bodies then they should firstly consult with staff whose jobs are on the line."

The Scottish Government said trade unions representing staff would be properly consulted on any proposals.

A government spokesman said: "At this stage ministers have simply asked the General Register Office for Scotland, National Archives of Scotland and Registers of Scotland to explore the options.

"Any firm proposals would of course be subject to full consultation and discussion with trades unions."

However, the enterprise minister and the heads of the bodies involved defended the consultation exercise.Mr Mather said: "We are asking the General Register Office for Scotland, National Archives of Scotland and Registers of Scotland to work together to explore ways of working more closely together, and the potential of amalgamation."

George MacKenzie, keeper of the records and head of National Archives of Scotland said: "I welcome the opportunity to look at the case for working more closely."

Registrar general Duncan Macniven said: "We think that it is sensible to look at the pros and cons of amalgamation and will work closely with the National Archives and Registers of Scotland before putting options to ministers."

The keeper of the Registers of Scotland, Sheenagh Adams, said: "We look forward to working with our colleagues to deliver the best outcomes for our customers and the Scottish economy."