After spending 10 years as an MSP and 9 as a councillor I saw first hand where power lies and in whose interest it is exercised.

At both a local and national level the big business community, the banks, financial institutions and developers dominate. They use their wealth and contacts to influence the policy agenda and where budgets are spent.

In 2021 Unity Consulting Scotland conducted a membership survey on behalf of the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU). Survey results showed a clear link between low pay, insecure work and food insecurity. This was the catalyst for the creation of the Food and Work Network (FAWN) and in this blog we examine the appalling behaviour of two major food production companies towards their former employees.

As the Scottish political commentariat immerses itself in the SNP leadership campaign, back in the real world workers, trade unions and community groups are engaged in the fight for better pay and conditions and are supporting working people who are on the frontline of the cost of living crisis.

In the Scottish Parliament last week the four rail unions re-launched ‘A Vision for Scotland’s Railways’. This report, launched initially at COP26, was something that we at Unity Consulting were proud to have worked with Scotland’s 4 rail unions, ASLEF, RMT, TSSA and Unite to present a vision for a new world-class public railway system as part of a wider integrated transport system.

Since its earliest beginnings in 1516, the Royal Mail has been ever-present in British and indeed global communications. Across the length and breadth of these islands, it is amongst the most trusted of brands and its employees - the cherished postie - are almost universally one of the most well-kent faces in each community.

In 2021 myself and two colleagues, Tommy Kane, a former adviser to Jeremy Corbyn and Michael Sharpe, a former head of policy for Labour in the Scottish Parliament, set up Unity Consulting Scotland, a not-for-profit social enterprise.

Setting up any new venture is a step into the unknown but launching a new social enterprise whilst still in the midst of the Covid 19 pandemic was a genuine leap of faith for me and my two colleagues Tommy Kane and Michael Sharpe.

Last week Scotland’s rail trade unions demonstrated again how the Labour and trade union movement, when united and proactive, are the greatest force for good in society.

Having spent 18 years as an elected councillor and MSP, I saw first-hand how big, powerful, well-funded interests use their position and connections to influence public policy and drive political change.