Services at heart of union concerns ahead of independence referendum

Concerns about the future quality of public services will have a strong influence on how members of one of the country’s biggest unions will vote in next year’s independence referendum.

A survey by the Public and Commercial Services Union found members regard services and pensions as key factors in the independence debate.

Respondents were split on whether the PCS should campaign for or against independence, or remain neutral. This will be debated at a conference in Glasgow in February, the union said.

Members said they would like more information from political parties before making up their minds.

The Our Scotland, Our Services, Our Future survey was carried out by Cardiff University and asked members and activists their views on which work-related issues will influence their vote in September.

Almost 2,000 people responded, representing around one in every 15 members in Scotland.

The union said:“We are proud that, through this research report and our Scottish conference, we are thoroughly engaging members and activists in the debate on Scotland’s future.”