Glasgow Council pauses controversial fire-and-rehire plan after Deputy First Minister's intervention

Glasgow City Council, controlled by the SNP, unveiled a plan to terminate and re-engage over 20,000 non-teaching workers as talks over a historic equal-pay dispute stalled. Within 24 hours Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth ordered a pause, describing the situation as “challenging” and urging intensive engagement. Labour figures Alexander and Michael Marra publicly denounced the fire-and-rehire strategy, urging the labour movement to reject threats to workers.

Council workforce convener Allan Casey welcomed the pause, noting that the Acas package would be reconsidered and further intensive negotiations with the Scottish Government and three unions would follow. The council aims to secure a collective agreement on a new, discrimination-free pay and grading scheme. Meanwhile, Alexander called on First Minister John Swinney to support new defence technical colleges, highlighting broader economic concerns.