The meeting at St Andrews House yesterday covered a number of topics including the Scottish Budget, the economic outlook in Scotland, public procurement and the collapse of Carillion, Fair Work and the behaviour of employers during last weeks severe weather events.

During the meeting the First Minister re-iterated her Governments support for and appreciation of the work done by Union reps in workplaces. Prospect, was able to raise the issue of public sector pay, and the retention of pay caps for staff, albeit at a higher level than in the rest of the UK, the First Minister accepted that the Government needed to be clearer about the "journey" the are on to resolve public sector pay issues created by years of austerity, the Government she indicated cannot solve the issues in a single year, but should set out a clearer plan. On shipbuilding the First Minister indicated that they would continue to lobby for Scottish yards to be involved in the construction of both the Class 31e frigates and Royal Fleet Auxiliary Fleet Solid Support vessels, and asked Unions involved to supply intelligence that would assist lobbying at critical times.

The General Council also agreed to issue a joint statement with the Scottish Government in regards to best practice fro dealing with any repeat of the recent weather events.

"Whilst we don't always agree with the Scottish Government on key issues such as defence and nuclear generation, we recognise and welcome the ongoing engagement with Trade Unions by the First Minister," said Prospect National Secretary in Scotland Richard Hardy "by engaging at the highest level, we ensure that our members concerns are taken right to the heart of Government, this can only be a benefit for members we represent"