Scottish taxpayers are forking out hundreds of thousands of pounds for government staff to carry out union activities.
The equivalent of more than nine full-time Scottish Government staff devoted all their time to union activities last year, at a cost of almost £350,000.
The ”utterly ludicrous” situation emerged on Tuesday after the UK Government announced it would ban local government staff and civil servants from working full-time for trade unions while taking a salary.
But with the practice still allowed in Scotland there is outrage at the amount of union work being funded by the taxpayer.
Tory MSP Alex Johnstone said:”If they are employed by the Scottish Government then that is who they should be doing work for this is a complete waste of taxpayers’ money at a time when we cannot afford any excess spending in the budget.
”If these employees are so valuable to trade unions then it is them that should be footing the bill not the Scottish taxpayer.”
Under the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act, a union representative is permitted paid time off for union duties.
Of the five unions the Scottish Government recognises, three the PCS, Prospect and the First Division Association for senior civil servants have elected members who are also Scottish Government employees. And they devote all their time to the duties of their unions.
In 2009-10 Scottish councils paid out approximately £2.9 million for staff to undertake union duties, the equivalent of paying the salaries of 107 full-time employees. NHS boards paid an estimated £660,464 (24 staff) while the fire and ambulance service forked out £233,734 (nine staff).
The figures are based on an average public sector salary of £27,084.
A Scottish Government said: ”These posts are in line with both Acas and Cabinet Office guidance and help to promote a positive and effective working relationship between management and the unions that leads to better workplace policies, more engaged staff and a more effective organisation.
”The cost has fallen by £24,000 since the previous year.”