Unite press release

For immediate release: Wednesday 3 May 2023

Campaigners warn Humza Yousaf over a “screeching hand brake turn” on extending free school meals.

Under Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP Government was committed to extending free school meals to pupils in primary 6 and 7.

Unite received a personal commitment from Humza Yousaf on the policy.

Unite Scotland’s leading union has accused Humza Yousaf of preparing to make a “screeching hand brake turn” on extending free school meals.

Today Humza signalled dumping the roll out of universal free school meals: “I don’t think that’s the right way to use that money.” https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/humza-yousaf-signals-free-school-29872532

But only last month, Humza Yousaf wrote; “Many thanks for your email on behalf of the Campaign “Feed the weans, feed the future”. I am very supportive of this campaign and as you will know, it is the intention of this government to provide free school meals for all our primary children.”

Unite for a workers’ economy will continue its campaign to end means-based ‘free’ school meals and to provide free school dinners for all children up to P7. Rising costs mean an increasing number of families who are not entitled to these school meals can no longer make ends meet.

Unite Senior Organiser Joe Rollin said:  “This looks like a screeching hand brake turn. We are calling on the First Minister to honour his commitment and remove means-testing for all primary school children for school meals. 

“Workers across Scotland are suffering from real terms pay cuts. Rising food prices are making the situation worse. Families need more support from this Government. And they need it now.”

ENDS

From workplace to community Unite is driving a UK-wide strategy to help bring change to ‘‎‎‎‎‎heartland’ ‎‎‎‎‎communities following the failure of politicians to act. ‘‎‎‎‎‎Unite for a Workers' Economy’‎‎‎‎‎ has begun with a major national campaign across key battle-ground seats up and down the UK, including Glasgow, Grimsby, Hull, Leigh, Barrow, Workington, Morecombe and Crawley.


For more information please contact Claire Peden on 07815 704 914 or Ciaran Naidoo on 07768 931 315 

Email: Ci[email protected]

Twitter: @unitetheunion Facebook: unitetheunion1 Web: unitetheunion.org 

Unite is the leading union in the UK and Ireland, dedicated to defending and improving members' jobs, pay and conditions. The general secretary is Sharon Graham